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HISTORY 



OF THE 



27tli Regiment N.Y.Vols. 




{Badge of tJie First Division, Sixth Corps.) 

Being a Record of its more than Two Years of 

Service ix the War for the Union, from 

May 2 1 St, 1 86 1, to May 31st, 1863. 

With a Complete Roster, and Short Sketches of 
Commanding Officers. 

Also, a Record of Experience and Suffering of 

some of the comrades in libby and 

other Rebel Prisons. 

,.. / 

Compiled by C. B. FAIRCHILD, of Company "D." 



Published under the direetion of the follotving Committee : 
GEN. H. W. SLOCUM. CAPT. C. A. WELLS. 



Cart &" Matthervs, Ft inters, Binghamton, N. Y. 



Entered according to A ct of Congress, in the year iSSS, by 

C. B. FAIRCHILD, 
in the Office o/^ the Librarian o_f Conscress^ni Washington. 



r 



COMRADES OF THE TWENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT, 

WHO FELL WHILE IN THE LINE OF DUTY, 

IS THIS VOLUME SACREDLY DEDICATED, 

BY THE 

SURVIVORS' ASSOCIATION, 

AS A TESTIMONY TO THEIR 

HEROISM ON THE FIELD OF BATTLE, 

AND THEIR 

SACRIFICE FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THE REPUBLIC. 




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Prkkace. 



THE ofificial accounts of battles are all wonderfully alike, 
dealing with bodies and masses of men, and not with in- 
dividual hopes, aspirations and fears. We read about march- 
intr and flankin^j and enfilading; but when we sfo behind 
these terms, and ask what the individual soldier in the ranks 
is thinking or doing or suffering, the story is too light to be 
included in an ofificial report, and too unimportant for the 
dignity of general history ; and yet, it is this unwritten his- 
tory of the war that gives any true estimate of the price 
that was paid to save our nation. This history is designed 
to give more of individual and personal experience ; not 
claiming that this regiment acted the most important part 
in the late war, but to show that its members offered them- 
selves a willing sacrifice in the service of their country, and 
at no time did they withljold the best they had to give. 
Years have elapseci since we left the " lines and tented 
fields," but time cannot erase from memory recollections of 
those eventful days in which the Twenty-Seventh New 
York, by its heroism and zeal, helped to preserve the unity 
of the best and freest government ever established by man. 
The fact that they were actors in the great struggle, and a 
constituent element of the grandest army the world ever 
saw, engaged in the grand work of saving the Citadel of 
Freedom, makes them take a noteworthy pride in offering 
to history the following record, which is made up chiefly 
from private diaries, personal experience and general orders, 
as these tend to show the esteem in which the regiment was 
held by commanding officers. 

Our trust in the future of the country rests in the bravery, 
integrity and virtue of the men who fought for it. They 
have brought back the old flag, " its white as bright as 
angels' robes, and its stars God's stars, as truly as are the 
stars in the canopy of heaven." 



VI 



PREFACE. 



For this, let not our people fail to recognize their duty 
to the returned soldiers, and to the families of those who 
can never return, lest they repudiate a part, and one of the 
most sacreci parts of the national debt. 



Thanks are due for the information furnished for the fol- 
lowing record, to — 



H. W. Slocum, 
C. C. Gardiner, 
W. B. Westervelt, 
Jos. L. Ross, 



Joseph J. Bartlett, 
Charles A. Wells, 
Eri S. Watson, 
C. B. Fairchh.d, 



Inxroducxion. 



THE election of Abraham Lincoln, in i860, was made 
the pretext and signal in the South for open defiance 
of the authority of the Federal Government. Mutterings, 
even threats of secession had been heard before the elec- 
tion, and were generally treated as the grumblings incident 
to an anticipated defeat, especially as a majority of such 
expressions of discontent came from the State of South 
Carolina, which was proverbially hot-headed. Now, how- 
ever, meetings were held in that and other Cotton States, 
declaring for Southern independence, and " minute men " 
were being mustered. Startling events followed each other 
rapidly, until, on December 20th, i860. South Carolina 
passed " An ordinance to dissolve the union between the 
State of South Carolina and other states united with her, 
under the compact entitled the Constitution of the United 
States of America." This action was, soon after, followed 
by the seizure of the arsenal and other government prop- 
erty at Charleston. On the 12th of April, 1861, the North- 
ern States were astounded and shocked by the news which 
was flashed over the wires, that Fort Sumpter was being 
bombarded. The so-called secession of the State from the 
Union, followed by the same action on the part of other 
Southern States, had been regarded with indifference by 
many, and the public heart seemed almost insensible to the 
great peril which threatened to sunder the republic. But 
the news from Sumpter awoke unwonted echoes, and touched 
the patriotic chords in the great American heart. The 
loyalty, which had been doubted, sprang into instant life, 
and throughout the North, expressions of deep devotion 
and promise of unlimited aid were borne on the wings of 
lightning to the Nation's capital. The mighty heart of the 
people seemed to pulsate with patriotism and love of the 



Vlll INTRODUCTION. 

government, which had been founded and maintained by 
the blood of our fathers. The world never witnessed an 
uprising as mighty, as spontaneous, and as glorious as that 
which now occurred.' On April 15th, the following procla- 
mation was issued by President LINCOLN : 

By the President of the United States of Am eric a. 

A PROCLAMATION. 

Whereas, The laws of the United States have been for some time past, 
and now are opposed, and the execution thereof obstructed, in the Stales 
of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, 
and Texas, by combinations too powerful to be suppressed b}- the ordinary 
course of judicial proceedings, or the powers vested in the marshals by 
law : 

Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, 
b)" virtue of the power in me vested by the Constitution and the laws, 
have thought fit to call forth, and hereby do call forth the militia of the 
several States of the Union, to the aggregate of seventy-five thousand, in 
order to suppress said combinations, and to cause the laws to be duly 
executed. 

The details of this object will be immediately communicated to the 
State authorities by the War Department. 

I appeal to all loyal citizens to favor, facilitate, and aid this cfifort to 
maintain the honor, the integrity, and the existence of our National 
Union, and the perpetuity of popular government, and to redress wrongs 
already long enough endured. 

I deem it proper to say, that the first service assigned to the forces 
hereby called forth will probably be to repossess the forts, places and 
property which have been seized from the Union ; and in every event the 
utmost care will be observed, consistently with the object aforesaid, to 
avoid an}' devastation of or interference with property, or any disturbance 
of peaceful citizens in any part of the country. 

And I hereb}' command the persons composing the combinations afore- 
said to disperse, and retire peaceably to their respectiv^e abodes, within 
twenty days of this date. 

Deeming the present condition of public afi'airs presents an extraor- 
dinary occasion, I do hereby, in virtue of the power in me vested by the 
Constitution, convene both Houses of Congress. Senators and Repre- 
sentativeg are, therefore, summoned to assemble at their respective cham- 



INTRODUCTION. ix 

bers, at twelve o'clock, noon, on Thursday, the 4th day of July next, then 
and there to consider and determine such measures as, in their wisdom 
the public safety and interest may seem to demand. 

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal 
of the United States to be affixed. 

Done at the City of Washington, this fifteenth day of April, in the year 
uf our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, and of the inde- 
l>endence of the United States the eighty-fifth. 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

By the Pirsidcnt : 

William H. Skward, Secretary of State. 

Simultaneously with the abov^e proclamation, calls for 
troops were made upon the States, — the Governor of New 
York, Edwin D. Morgan, being requested to immediately 
furnish the quota designateci for the State of New York, 
to wit, seventeen regiments. On April i6th, the two bodies 
of the Legislature, then in session at Albany, passed an Act 
" To authorize the embodying and equipment of a Volun- 
teer Militia, and to provide for the public defence." This 
bill provided for the enrollment of thirty thousand volunteer 
militia, to serve for two years ; and appropriated three mil- 
lions of dollars to meet the expense. Governor Morgan 
issued a proclamation, on the i8th, citing the President's 
requisition, and calling for seventeen regiments, to consist 
of 649 ofificers, and 12,631 men ; forming an aggregate of 
13,280; the rendezvous for the State being designated as 
New York, Albany and Elmira, with headquarters at Alban}-, 
Afterwards (on April 25th) the Governor issued his procla- 
mation for twenty-one other regiments of volunteers, which, 
with the first seventeen, made up the complement of volun- 
teers under the State act providing for 30,000. These first 
thirty-eight regiments were the only troops from New York 
State mustered for the term of two years. 



CHAF»XER I. 



THE 27th Regiment (Infantry) N. Y. Volunteers was 
organized at Elmira, on the 21st of May, 1861. It was 
composed of companies, recruited and accepted as follows, 
viz.: 



Company . 


Where Recruited. 


By Whom Recruited. 


Date of Acceptance. 


A. 


White Plains. 


Capt. Jos. J. Chambers. 


April 30, 1861. 


B. 


Lyons. 


Capt. Alex. D. Adams. 


May 2, i86r. 


C. 


Binghamton. 


Capt. Jos. J. Bartlett. 


May 2, 1861. 


D. 


Bingliamton. 


Capt. Hiram C. Rogers. 


May 2, 1861. 


E. 


Rocliester. 


Capt. Geo. G. Wanzer. 


May 7, 1861. 


^ F. 


Bingliamton. 


Capt. Peter Jay. 


May 8, 1861. 


G. 


Lima. 


Capt. James Perkins. 


May 7, 1861. 


H. 


Mount Morris. 


Capt. Chas. E. Martin. 


May II, 1861. 


I. 


Angelica. 


Capt. Curtis C. Gardiner. 


May 13, 1861. 


K. 


Albion. 


Capt. Henry L. Achilles, Jr. 


May 16, 1861. 



The companies were organized into a regiment by Gen- 
eral VanValkenburgh, when the following field officers were 
elected, viz.: Henry W. Slocum, Colonel; Joseph J. Cham- 
bers, Lieutenant-Colonel; Joseph J. Bartlett, Major. The 
State Military Board confirmed the election on the 21st of 
May, by General Order No. 208, and the regiment was ac- 
cepted, and numbered *' 27 ;" and Colonel Slocum was di- 
rected to report for duty, and hold his regiment in readiness 
to be mustered into the service of the United States. 




On.. Henry \V. Slocum. 



IN CAMP AT ELMIRA. 3 

At one of the recent reunions, Gen. Slocum explained 
some of the incidents which led to his election as Colonel 
of the 27th. Being a West Point graduate, he offered his 
servdces to the Governor of the State, who asked him to 
remain and assist him in Albany. This he declined, and 
went to Elmira at the request of some officers, who talked 
of making him Colonel of their regiment ; but he found 
so much wire-pulling, and was requested to make certain 
pledges, that he left Elmira in disgust, and returned to his 
home in Syracuse. But he soon received a telegram from 
some other company officers, asking him to return to Elmira. 
He did so, and was unanimously elected Colonel of the 
27th, without any pledges, although he was a total stranger 
to every one of the officers. That he proved to be the 
right man for the place, ^^•as fully sho\\n by the subsecjuent 
history of the regiment. 

While in camp at Elmira, the regiment took the name of 
" Union Regiment," because the companies comprising it, 
ha\ing been recruited from seven different counties, were 
united in one regiment, by their own choice. 

Some of these companies had been in Elmira since the 
8th of May, and had been practicing in the school of the 
soldier, and in company drill. They had been quartered in 
x'acant buildings at different places about the town, till about 
the time the regiment was organized, when the companies 
moved from their several headquarters into barracks, that 
had been built of rough boards, at Southport, across the 
river from Elmira. Here the duties of a soldier were for 
the first time fully assumed : such as guard duty, dress pa- 
rade, battalion drill, — varied, between times, with a drill not 
laid down in Hardie's Tactics — picking stone from the rocky 
ridge, and grading the parade ground. This caused a great 
deal of grumbling; but a greater dissatisfaction existed 
over the rations furnished by the government contractor. 
The men of Co. " E " were the first to make demonstrations 
to show their disgust with the fare ; and one day they 
claimed it was necessary to imprison the beef, to keep it 
from walking off. So they conceived the idea of holding a 



4 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y, VOLS. 

funeral over it. They nailed a large piece strongly in a box, 
and, to the tune of " The Rogue's March," proceeded to inter 
it with the honors of war. A, W. Tourgee (^since, the noted 
author), preached the funeral sermon ; and for this he was 
severely reprimanded by the Colonel. On June 1st, the 
dinner was so bad that some of the companies, after being 
seated in long rows beside the rough board tables, led off 
by Companies " D " and " B," in answer to a pre-arranged 
signal, kicked over the tables, and sent the boards, tin plates, 
cups and steaming soup, flying through the air! "That 
same old soup never appeared again," and that night we 
had a good supper of mush and milk. 

This incident gave Colonel Slocum an opportunit}- to 
make his maiden speech to the regiment ; for, in about an 
hour, the " long roll " sounded, the line was formed on the 
parade ground, and the Colonel told the boys, "that, so long 
as he remained in command of the regiment, the}' should 
have what the government intended them to have, and it 
should be served in palatable style ; that no contractor 
should fill his pockets at the expense of the stomachs of 
his men." After this, the Colonel was frequently seen about 
the cook-house, giving directions as to the quality of food, 
and how the cooking should be done. From this time on, 
everything was in apple-pie order, and Col. Slocum was 
idolized. But after the boys reached the front, occasions 
were frequent when they would gladly have accepted sim- 
ilar rations without " kicking." 

On the 3d of June, Daniel S. Dickinson, from Bingham- 
ton, rode into camp, and, about 7 o'clock, made a rousing 
speech to the regiment, which was received with hearty 
cheers. 

June 4th, after the regular drills, we had a good supper, 
w^ith bread and butter and cake, which had been presented 
to the Colonel by the ladies of Syracuse, — Mrs. Slocum and 
several of the ladies gracing the table with their presence. 
The boys gave three cheers for the ladies, and had a jolly 
time. 

June 7th, there was a fine regimental drill in the fore- 



BIG ROW WITH THE 33D. 5 

noon, and the men were practiced in the manoeuvers of 
street fighting. 

The same routine of daily drill, of about eight hours a 
day, continued without incident till the 12th, on which date 
there were two memorable events. The first was, drum- 
ming a deserter out of camp ; and the second, the boys had 
a big row with the 33d Regiment, which was camped near by. 
It seems that one of our boys, Gibson Dunn, of Co. " B," 
while intoxicated, had shown some disrespect to Col. R. F. 
Taylor, of the 33d or " Ontario Regiment," for which he had 
been arrested and confined in the guard house of the 33d. 
This enraged the 27th boys, and in the evening they went 
in a body to make an attack on the guard house, and release 
their comrade. Their advance was resisted by the 33d, and 
soon the two regiments were in battle array, armed with 
cobble stones ; and began to entrench themselves behind 
windrows of stones. With great difficulty the few officers 
in camp prevented an attack till word could be sent to the 
Colonel, who was quartered in the city. He soon arrived 
on the ground ; the " long roll " was ordered ; and about 
ten o'clock the regiment was formed in hollow square, and, 
though it was pitch dark, the Colonel made one of his tell- 
ing speeches, and assured the men that their comrade should 
be released. This cooled the boys somewhat, and good feel- 
ing was restored. In the meantime Dunn had made his 
escape from the guard house, by removing a board from the 
roof. This same evening the first prayer-meeting was held 
in the camp, many of the comrades leaving the meeting to 
take part in this their first fight. 

On the 15th, the regiment was moved from Southport to 
the barracks on the Fair Ground. These barracks after- 
wards became noted as the place of confinement for Con- 
federate prisoners. 

On the 25th, the men of the Union Regiment received 
their first pay, it being for twenty days' service previous to 
the 2 1st of May; in amount, $8.60. 

On the 29th, we received our equipments; and as we 
dressed ourselves in blue, and took charge of our guns, 



6 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

knapsacks, haversacks and canteens, we realized more fully 
than ever that we were no longer citizens, but soldiers, 
ready to enter the service of the government. 

Sunday, June 30th, divine service was held in camp, when 
the Chaplain, D. D. Buck, preached his first sermon to the 
regiment. From, this time till after the 4th of July, many 
of the men were allowed to go to their homes on furlough. 

On the 5th, the regiment was mustered into the U. S. 
service for two years from the 21st day of May, 1 861, by 
Capt. Sitgraves, U. S. A. Seven men refused to take the 
oath, and were discharged and sent home. -About this time 
one of the Corporals in Co. " A," who had been sent to 
arrest some men in one of the low dives of the city, was 
murdered. His body was recovered and sent to his home 
in White Plains, under an escort from his Company. 

The officers of the 27th, being gentlemen of manly and 
gallant bearing, were cordially received into the best society 
at Elmira ; a circumstance which led those of other regi- 
ments who had been less favored, to facetiously christen 
the " Twenty-seventh " officers as the " Mutual Admiration 
Society." 

A On the morning of July loth, we received orders to leave 
Elmira for Washington ; and, amid uproar and enthusiasm, 
commenced packing up. Almost every man was loaded 
with useless articles, and had yet to learn the hardest lesson 
of the soldier, — how many things to get along without. 

At 2 P. M. the regiment bid the barracks good-by, and 
marched into the city. After a short parade through the 
streets, the cars were boarded, and at 4 i'. M. moved out on 
the Northern Central road, amid the waving of handker- 
chiefs and the cheers of assembled thousands. It rained 
all the way to Williamsport, Pa., where we arrived about 
9 P. M. Here the ladies had prepared a fine supper for us, 
and we left the cars to find a grand entertainment. Tables 
had been spread in the square near the depot, and the pa- 
triotic ladies were out in force to give the boys one good 
meal, and bid them a hearty God-speed as they set their 
faces toward the South. This entertainment was one of 



TRIP TO WASHINGTON. 7 

the bright spots in the history of the regiment ; and there 
were many expressions of admiration for our fair hostesses. 
One comrade, at least, was so much impressed with the 
kindness of these ladies that he asked the privilege of writ- 
ing to one of them ; and, months afterward, he applied for 
a furlough, returned to Williamsport, and married his fair 
entertainer. 

About lo o'clock we returned to the cars, and rode all 
night, getting but little sleep. In the morning we found 
ourselves opposite the City of Harrisburg, where we re- 
mained about an hour. It was a beautiful morning, and 
from our position, looking across the Susquehanna, we had 
a grand view of the city, and the dome of Pennsylvania's 
Capitol, towering above the structures of the city. Here 
the train was divided, and we ran slowly on through a 
splendid country, especially about York, Pa., where we 
passed immense fields of wheat, corn and rye. Here the 
farming lands are excellent ; large and beautiful houses ; 
with a degree of thrift that but few of the men had ever 
seen before. After crossing the Maryland line, we found 
soldiers quartered at every bridge on the road ; and as we 
approach Baltimore, the track is being guarded by the I2th 
Pennsylvania Regiment. The people do not welcome us 
in Maryland as they did in Pennsylvania, and there is not 
near as much enthusiasm. We roll into Baltimore in fine 
shape, where we left the cars, formed in line, and having 
fixed bayonets, marched through the city. Some of the 
officers proposed that the men should load their pieces, but 
Col. Slocum, thinking it a useless precaution, did not order it. 
The streets were crowded with people to see us. There 
were many who cheered for the Union, and some for Jeff. 
Davis. We were received very kindly at the depot where 
we took the train, and were soon underway for Washington. 
We halted some time at the Rellay House, where several 
regiments of New York troops were stationed. Soon after 
dark Washington was reached, and we were marched to our 
quarters, afterwards named Camp Anderson, on h'ranklin 
Square, a splendid place. 



8 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

Before leaving Elmira, Col. Slocum had taken the pre- 
caution to send Lieut.-Col. Chambers on to Washington, to 
provide rations for the men when we should arrive there. 
But, alas ! when we reached camp, between 10 and 11 o'clock 
at night, we found nothing except two barrels of salt pork : 
so we had to go to bed supperless, filled with disgust at the 
officer who had given too much attention to refreshing his 
own inner man, to the neglect of his weary men. 

Sunday, July 14th, we had company drill before break- 
fast, and preaching service, by Chaplain Buck, at 10 o'clock. 
During the service several regiments, that had been ordered 
to Virginia, marched past our camp, on their way to the 
Long Bridge ; and the Chaplain, with more enthusiasm than 
piety, gave out a hymn ; and as we sang the chorus — 

" Our friends are passing over, 
And, just before, the shining shore 
We ma}' almost discover," — 

He waved his hand in the direction of the passing troops. 

About 5 o'clock we had battalion drill and dress parade. 
There were a great many visitors in to see the parade. Pie 
peddlers prosecuted a lively trade, as the boys did not take 
kindly to salt pork and hard tack ; but the " rag pies," as 
the boys called them, did not agree with them as well as 
the government rations would have done. 

July 15th : Practiced target shooting all day, in a vacant 
lot, on the Georgetown road, about a mile from camp. 
Each man fired twenty rounds. This was the first and 
only target practice the regiment had before engaging in 
its first battle. 

We were armed with the smooth-bore, muzzle-loading, 
government gun, known as the Harper's Ferry Musket, of 
58 caliber, and using a paper cartridge, which the men had 
to tear open with their teeth before loading. The gun was 
fired with a large percussion cap, and would kick about as 
hard as a government mule. One man declared, after com- 
ing out of battle, " that his gun kicked him back over a rail 
fence, and kicked him seven times after he was down." 

Several companies received recruits after coming to 
Washington. These men had no uniforms, and had never 



ON TO RICHMOND. 9 

been practiced in the manual of arms before going on the 
march to our first battle. 

On the 1 6th of July, the regiment was assigned to the 
First Brigade, commanded by Col. Andrew Porter, of the 
i6th U. S. Infantry; in the Second Division, commanded 
by Col. David Hunter, of the Third U. S. Cavalry; in the 
Army of Northern Virginia, commanded by Brigadier- 
General Irwin McDowell. 

Hunter's Division was composed of the following com- 
mands : 

Eighth New York Militia, Fourteenth New York Militia, 
Twenty-Seventh New York Volunteers, a Battalion of 
U. S. Infantry, Battalion U. S. Marines, Battalion U. S. 
Cavalry, and Battery D of the Fifth U. S. Artillery. 

About noon of the same date (the i6th). Hunter's Di- 
vision received orders to march. Destination : " On to 
Richmond !" We packed up and left about 3 o'clock. 
We crossed the Long Bridge, — and so found ourselves on 
the sacred soil of the Old Dominion. We passed through 
the fortifications on Arlington Heights, and reached the 
Alexandria and Manasses R. R. about 6 o'clock. At Bail- 
ey's Cross Roads we halted for supper. Each man had 
been supplied with two loaves of bread and a pound of 
salt pork. We could hear picket-firing in the front, — when 
the regiment was ordered to load their muskets, each man 
having 'oeen supplied with forty rounds of ammunition. 
The route continued along the Little River Turnpike, past 
the fertile plantations of the Lees, the Balls, Baileys, and 
Arlingtons, that had not yet felt the devastating hand of 
war, but were destined to be left a barren waste, — from 
which they have never recovered. We marched about 
twelve miles, and about 10 P. M. went into camp, on the 
Annandale hills, near the main army ; and for the first time 
slept on the ground, with no covering except our blankets, 
not having been supplied with tents. We rested well, and 
started on the march again at sunrise, the 17th, taking the 
road to Fairfax Court House. The march was a slow one, 
for the Rebels, in their retreat, had felled trees across the 



lO RECORD OF 27TH REOIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

road, and we were obliged to cut thcni out before we could 
pass. After a few hours' marching at " route step," we 
were called to quick time, and moved by platoons, closed 
to half distance. The day was very warm, and many were 
prostrated by the heat. 

Soon our mounted rifles and cavalry were. ordered to the 
front, and, as they moved forward at a gallop, we almost 
held our breath, in the excitement and expectation of hear- 
ing them open fire and commence an engagement ; but the 
enemy retreated on their approach, with but a few scatter- 
ing shots from our men. We then marched leisurely on ; 
and the fact that they had left their fires burning, and other 
evidences of a hasty retreat, made some of the men think 
that the Rebels had all turned back; and that night an 
officer, passing through the camp, overheard two men talk- 
ing about the probability of their ever seeing a battle. One 
says to the other: "Now, this is just exactly what I ex- 
pected. These fellows have all run off, and we are never 
going to see a fight. We will go home without seeing a 
fight, sure." 

Others were not so sanguine ; for, from one of the diaries, 
we copy the following, under date of the 17th: "I think 
we shall have a fight soon, ,but I trust I am preparetl for 
any emergency ; and, if necessary, am ready to die for my 
country." 

We went into camp about 2 o'clock. The boys were 
allowed to "forage" about the country, and it is needless 
to say that the}' li\'ed well. .Some of the troops pillaged 
the houses, and burned a few barns, — acts of vandalism of 
which our regiment was heartily ashamed. 

We started on the march again early the next morning, 
the 1 8th, but were delayed till 3 o'clock, when we marched 
about five miles ; then halted and bivouacked, on the 
left of the Warrenton turnpike, two miles east of Centre- 
ville, and remained there the two following days. While in 
this camp, the regiment of regulars who were camped near 
us were called in line, and formed a square, when two of 
their number were whipped, receiving thirty lashes each on 



FJJXKiINC TWO DESERTERS. II 

their bare backs, and were then branded, on the side of the 
hip, with the letter D. It was a sickening" sight. This was 
the hist case of flogging in the army, as this barbarous style 
of punishment was soon after abolished. 

On the afternoon of the 19th there was some sharp skir- 
mishing a few miles in front of us, and soon after some 
prisoners were brought in, who were the first rebels we had 
seen. They attracted a good deal of attention, and we dis- 
cussed the question among ourselves, whether we should 
shoot or hang them. Fortunately the question was not 
left to the private soldier to decide. At dark we went on 
picket, and remained all night. Were relieved from picket 
duty about 9 o'clock of the morning of the 20th, and re- 
turned to camp, Avhere we remained quiet all day. 

While in this camp, a detail of eight corporals was made, 
from difTerent companies, to act as Color Guard, Sergeant 
Burton Freeman, of Co. " I," being Color Sergeant. 

Sunday morning, July 21st, at 2 o'clock, we were called 
and ordered to get ready to move. Soon after, we formed 
in line and moved out in light marching order, taking one 
cooked ration. Owing to the delay of the First Division 
getting out of its camp. Hunter's Division did not reach 
Centreville till 4 o'clock ; moving thence along the War- 
renton turnpike, over a bridge crossing Cub Run. Here 
we put out one company as skirmishers, and continueci to 
advance, turning to the right into a heavy timber. The 
day was intensely hot, and this being a portion of Virginia 
noted for a scarcity of water, we sufTered both from heat 
and thirst. At 9 o'clock we passed Sudley's Church, when 
the firing in front of us became quite lively. We soon left 
the woods, and as we came out into the open field, one of 
Gen. Porter's aids met us, and ordered Col. Slocum to 
move forward, and, with a wave of his hand, exclaimed : 
" You will find the enemy down there somewhere !" 

We crossed Bull Run at Sudley's Ford, after a march 
occupying fully six hours; and, without coming to a halt, 
advanced at a double quick toward the enemy's position. 
We were soon under fire : the solid shot and shell befjan to 



12 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

pass over our heads, and made us do some involuntary 
dodging. The first man wounded, in the regiment, was 
Henry Wheeler, of Co. " C." He was hit in the instep, by 
a musket ball, before we had come in sight of the enemy. 
It is supposed the ball was fired by a sharp-shooter from 
one of the tall trees on our left. We continued to advance, 
in column of fours, every step the shot coming thicker and 
faster. We passed the 8th N. Y. Militia, who, dressed in 
their gray State uniforms, were caring for some of their 
wounded comrades. 

We soon reached the crest of a hill, and, by a road lead- 
ing to the valley beneath us, made a charge directly on the 
Stone House, from which we drove the enemy. The Colonel, 
having dismounted, then directed the color guard to take a 
position to the left and in rear of the Stone House, that he 
might form a line of battle on them. While getting into 
position, a rebel battery opened on us with canister shot, 
and several of our men were killed and wounded. Private 
Wesley Randall, of Binghamton, was the first man killed. 

The Colonel then ordered the line to form still further to 
the left, and the regiment moved a hundred rods in that 
direction, the colors taking the lead. Soon another stand 
was taken, and our ranks, which had been thrown into some 
disorder, were ordered to re-form ; but before the order 
could be executed, we saw two regiments coming, at double 
quick, over the crest of the hill from our rear and left, — a 
direction from which we did not expect the enemy. They 
were dressed in gray, and we mistook them for the 8th 
New York. As they moved around in our front, some of 
the men called out " that they were enemies," and began 
to fire. Others excitedly "declared them to be the 8th 
New York," and begged us not to fire on our own men. 
Just then a Confederate straggler between the lines, ran up 
to Col. Slocum, and declared that the " regiment yonder 
wanted to surrender." Slocum threatened the man with 
drawn sword, but he persisted; and, by the Colonel's order, 
Adjutant Jenkins started towards the enemy, waving a 
havelock as a flag of truce. " What regiment are you ?" he 



COL. SLOCUM WOUNDED. 13 

asked. He was answered by the unfurling of the Confed- 
erate colors and the firing of a volley. He rode back to 
our lines, exclaiming, "Give it to them, boys!" The 27th 
responded, firing at will, but many did not hear him, and 
still held their fire. Our mistake had given them time to 
form in line of battle, under cover of thick bushes, and they 
poured volley after volley into us, with deadly effect. Our 
men replied vigorously, but could not long stand under 
such a fire, and began to retire slowly over the crest of the 
hill. The colors were the last to retire. A few of the men, 
having secured covered positions behind hay-cocks and un- 
der the banks of a small stream just in our front, remained 
and kept up a vigorous fire on their own hook, for some 
time after the regiment left. Some of these men fired so 
many rounds that their guns became hot, and they had to 
cool them off in the water of the brook. The enemy did 
not advance on this position. 

While making this movement over the crest of the hill, 
Col. Slocum fell, shot through the hip, and was sent to the 
surgeons in the rear. Major Bartlett now took command, 
and soon after withdrew the regiment to the woods in the 
rear, where we rested awhile, and refilled our cartridge- 
boxes. 

After this, we advanced again to the Stone House, 
where we took shelter under the banks of the roadside ; 
and again were moved from one point of the field to an- 
other, taking but little active part in the fight, yet contin- 
ually under fire, till 5 P. M., feeling sure that we had gained 
a decisive, victory over the enemy. 

But the tables were soon after effectually turned, by the 
arrival of a heavy column of Confederate troops, which 
proved to be the rebel reserve of twelve thousand fresh 
men, under Gen. Johnston. 

A retreat was now ordered, and we marched off the field 
in good order, with Major Bartlett riding at the head of the 
regiment, and our colors flying. Our ranks were kept closed 
up until passing Sudley's Church, when some of the panic- 
stricken cavalry rode through our line and scattered some 



14 RECORD OF 27TII REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

of our men among the fragments of other regiments, so that 
it was impossible to rally them all again. The retreat then 
became a stampede. A few miles from the field we came 
to the Stone Bridge across Cub Run. Here was a blockade 
of cannon and caissons, from which the drivers had cut the 
traces, and rode off on the horses, so that the troops had to 
turn to the right, and ford the stream just below the bridge. 
The panic was increased by the frantic rush of a large num- 
ber of civilians and Members of Congress, who had ridden 
out from Washington to witness the battle, — one of the 
latter, the Hon. Alfred Ely, of Rochester, N. Y., being 
taken prisoner. 

Such a scene was never before witnessed : the highway 
was blocked with cavalry, infantry, artillery and civilians, 
in solid mass, shouting-and yelling until it seemed as though 
the flood-gates of Pandemonium had been thrown open. 
Before midnight we reached the camp we left in the morn- 
ing, near Centreville, where, aside from the losses in killed, 
wounded and missing, the 27th was wholly intact, having 
its colors and arms, and awaiting orders. 

Capt. Averill, of Col. Porter's staff, sent a verbal message 
requesting the regiment to form in column and march to 
F'airfax, a distance of eight miles. This order was exe- 
cuted, and from midnight wc kept trudging along towards 
Washington, passing through P'airfax — this time without 
music, while the cry, " On to Richmond !" seemed to have 
lost all its charm. About sunrise we reached Arlington, 
made a short halt at Fort Runyon, where coffee and hard 
tack were issued. Then we re-crossed the Long Bridge to 
Washington, and were, soon after, back to our former quar- 
ters on Franklin Square. 

The wildest excitement existed in the city. Pennsylvania 
Avenue was gorged with panic-stricken citizens, and soldiers 
who were relating wonderful stories of their heroism on the 
field of battle. 

Thus ended the battle of Bull Run, where both armies 
were for the first time under fire; and for hard fighting and 



CASUALTIES AT BULL RUN, 1 5 

stubborn resistance, the\' challenged the admiration of the 
world. 

The regiments which we mistook for friends, proved to 
be the 4th Alabama and the 8th Georgia ; but they received 
severe punishment at our hands, — the 8th losing tiieir 
Lieutenant-Colonel and Adjutant, killed, and many of its 
enlisted men killed and wounded. 

The casualties of the 27th, in this battle, were: One 
ofificer and twenty-six enlisted men killed ; two officers and 
forty-two men wounded. 

Sixty men were reportetl missing, most of them wounded 

and taken prisoners, and man}- of them died from their 

wounds in the Southern prisons. Total, 131. (For a list 

of those taken prisoners, see the last chapter.) Among the 

I prisoners were three of the color guard, all of them ha\ing 

j been hit during the action. Corp. Fairchild was hit in the 

1 left breast by a canister shot, a spent ball, which lodged in 

his shirt pocket. Corp. Merrill was shot through the left 

, breast. Corp. Wood had a ball through his hand. Lieut. 

Asa Park, of Co. " D," the only officer killed, was shot in 

the abdomen. As he was struck, he placed his hand over 

the wound, and said to the Captain : " See what a big hole 

that is!" and immediately fell and expired. 

On the march from Washington and in this battle, man}' 
men in the regiment wore white linen " havelocks," with 
long capes over the back of the neck. These had been 
recommended to protect the wearers from the effect of the 
sun. The only good purpose they served, however, was to 
furnish lint and bandages for the wounded, and were never 
much worn after this battle. 

The following is a copy of Major Bartlett's official report 
of the battle of Bull Run : 



l6 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

Headquarters 27TH Regiment N. Y. Vols. f 
Camp Anderson, Washington, D. C, July 23, 1861. \ 

Sir : — Pursuant to order, I hereby submit for your consideration a 
report of the operations of the Twenty-Seventh Regiment New York 
State Volunteers, under command of Col. H. W. Slocuni, in the battle 
of Bull Run, on July 21, 1861. 

At precisely 2 o'clock a. m. we formed for march, in rear of the Marine 
Corps, commanded by Major Reynolds. After an exhausting march of 
eight hours, the enemy was discovered to be in force on our front and left. 
Fifteen minutes after their appearance, we were hurried on at double-quick 
time for the distance of at least one mile, and formed in line of battle b}- 
the left flank on the brow of the hill, commanding a part of the enemy's 
position. Without coming to a halt, we were ordered to charge the enemy 
by a road leading to the valley beneath us, where they were in numbers 
stronglv positioned in and about a large stone house, with a battery of six 
mounted howitzers commanding the approach. The men, though greatly 
fatigued and exhausted, gallantly attacked and drove the enemy from the 
house, who retired in disorder behind their battery, leaving a large num- 
ber of killed and wounded on the field. The battery was next attacked, 
and after receiving eleven rounds hastily retired, taking up another posi- 
tion about one hundred and fifty yards on our left and front. We were 
immediately attacked on our right flank by a large force, who approached 
by a ravine, under cover of a thick growth of bushes, and in the^ front by 
about 1,500 others, who had been (lri\'en from their position on the hill 
commanding our left, and whom we mistook for the Sth New York Regi- 
ment coming to our support. By this mistake we lost many killed and 
wounded, besides the opportunity of capturing a large number of pris- 
oners. We were now engaged by more than twice our own numbers, and 
fired upon from concealed positions, and receiving the fire of the battery 
from its new point of attack. Perceiving the necessity of support, I rallied 
about 200 of the Sth New York Regiment on the brow of the hill com- 
manding the enemy ; and the Colonel withdrew the regiment to the top of 
the hill in a perfectlj^ exhausted condition, formed, and marched them into 
the woods for rest. During our retreat Colonel Slocum received a wound 
from a musket ball, in the right thigh, which rendered it necessary for him 
to retire from the field, which he did, placing the command in mj' hands. 
After remaining half an hour in this position I was commanded by Capt, 
Averill, Aid-de-Camp to the Colonel commanding, to join a united charge 
to be made against the enemy's strongest position b}' all the regiments not 
actually engaged at that moment. I marched in four ranks, under fire of 



BARTLETTS REPORT. 1 7 

the battery commanding the road, to the creek, and filed to the right, under 
protection of its banivs, to await the general assault. Seeing our forces 
engage the enemy by small detachments, and not in the order in which the 
attack was commanded to be made — that they were repulsed and driven 
back in disorder, and belie\'ing that no assistance I could render would 
avail in restraining the troops or stay their flight, I withdrew my command 
in perfect order to the heights above the stream, and formed in line of 
battle, facing the enemy, and remained in position uritil thousands of troojis 
had passed to our rear, in flight and confusion. I then, at the urgent so- 
licitation of the line officers, marched to the rear in direction of the retreat, 
and again formed, by command of (jeneral McDowell, in line of battle, 
facing the enemy, that he might ha\e a nucleus to form the Division upon 
once more. The attempt prosing inelFectual, I again marched to the rear, 
and by his command formed in line a third time. It being impossible to 
form in an\' force upon our lines, I withdrew the regiment from the field, 
and after a short rest, joined the retreating column. hi the retreat to 
Washingt(nr we lost two sergeants — belie\ed to ha\'e been cut oh' from the 
regiment at the bridge, which was fired ui>on 1)\' the enem\' — and many 
men from exhaustion. 

I am happy to report that, during the whole day, the men of the regi- 
ment behaved coolly and gallanth', promptly ol)e\ing e\ery order ; and 
that they never once retreated or gave wa\- lu'fore the enem\' without a 

positive command. 

J. J. BARTLETT, 

Major, commanding. 
COL. ANDREW PORTER, 

Commanding Second Brigade. 



Extracts, Relating to the Movements of the 27TH Regiment, from 
Col. Andrew Porter's Official Report of the Battle. 
****** 
"The head of the First Brigade was immediately turned slightly to the 
right, in order to give time and room for deployment on the right of the 
Second Brigade. Griffin's Battery found its way through the timber to the 
fields beyond, followed promptly by the Marines, while the Twenty-Seventh 
took direction more to the left. * * * j),g enemy 

appeared drawn up in a long line, extending along the Warrenton turn- 
pike. * * * Our right was rapidly developed by the Marines, 
Twenty-Seventh, Fourteenth and Eighth, with the Cavalry in rear of the 



l8 RECORD OF 27Tn RECIIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

right : tlie enemy retreated with more precipitation than order as our line 
advanced. * * " Rebels soon came flying through the woods 

towards the right, and the Twenty-Seventh completed their rout by charg- 
ing directlv upon their center, in the face of a scorching fire, while the 
Fourteenth and Eighth moved down the turnpike, to cut off the retiring 
foe, and to support the Twent3'-Sevcnth, which had lost its gallant Colonel, 
but was standing the brunt of the action, with its ranks thinning in the 
dreadful fire. * * * Tyler's Division was engaged 

with the enemv's right. The Twenty-Seventh was resting in the edge of 
the woods in the center. ■"' * "" The prestige of success 

had thus far attended the efforts of our inexperienced but gallant troops. 
"" * "" A column, composed of the Twenty-Sexenth New 

York, Ele\-enth and Fifth Massachusetts, First Minnesota and Sixty-Ninth 
'New York mo\ed up towards the left Hank of the batteries. * * 

Fire came from some infantry of the enemy, which had been mistaken for 
our own forces. * * * Soon the slopes behind us weie 

swarming with our retreating and disorganized forces. * * * 

The Twentv-Seventh was the first to rally, under the command of Major 
Haitlett, antl around it the other regiments engaged soon collectt'd their 
scattered fragments. * "" * The commanding general 

then ordered a retreat to Centerville. * * * Among 

those who deserve special mention are : Col. H. W. Slocum, who was 
wounded while leading his gallant Twenty-Seventh New York to the 
charge ; and Maj. ]. ]. Bartlelt, who suljsequently commanded it, antl iiy 
his enthusiasm and vahjr kept it in action and out of the panic. His con- 
duct was imitated l)y his suliortlinates, of whom two, Capt. H. C. Rogers 
and Eieut. H. C. Jackson, were wounded, anil Ensign Asa Park was 
killed. * * * 

A. P^ORTER, 
Col. i6th Infantry U. S. Army, commanding Brigade. 

7> dpi. J. />'. Fry, A. A. G. 



CHAPXKR II. 

AFTER our return from the battle of Bull Run, we occu- 
pied our quarters at Franklin Square, in Washington, 
until near the middle of August. That terrible disease, 
camp diarrluea — more destructive than the enemy's bullets 
— broke out in the regiment, and for a few weeks made sad 
havoc with the men. Drilling was dispensed with, and all 
other duties not absolutely necessary. It was impossible 
to find enough capable of performing duty to make up a 
complete camp guard. 

On August 1st, we received our first pay from the United 
States, for one month and ten days' service, amounting to 
$15.03, in gold. This was a bonanza for the boys. 

Col. Slocum visited the camp on August 13th, still suffer- 
ing from his wound, and walking upon crutches. Every- 
body was glad to see him, but sorry that we must soon lose 
him, as he had been promoted to Brigadier-General. 

One day about this time, while a number of general offi- 
cers were together at Gen. 's headquarters, it was 

announced in the papers that Grant — who was operating in 
the West — had been made a Brigadier-General, on the 7th 
of August. Several of these officers, who had known him 
in the regular army, received the announcement with deri- 
si\'e laughter, and ridiculed the appointee as one wholly 
unfit for the position. In the light of subsequent events, 
they must have felt somewhat chagrined at their former 
estimate of our great captain. 

On August 14th several of the line officers were detailed 
on recruiting service, and went home on twenty days' leave 
of absence. 

The same date, Aug. 14th, the regiment was assigned to 
Gen. Heintzleman's brigade, and ordered to move. We 
then packed up, and again crossing the Long Bridge, marched 
to Camp Vernon, on Hunting Creek, near Alexandria, where 



20 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

we received our first tents, and commenced our life under 
canvas, and at the same time exchanged our smooth-bore 
muskets for U. S. Springfield rifles, which we carried during 
the entire term of service We here spent most of our time in 
drilling by battalion or brigade, and the men began to show 
the effect of the drill in their improved soldierly appearance. 

On the 1 6th the regiment went on picket, and on the 17th 
moved the camp to near Fort Ellsworth. On Sunday, the 
i»Sth, had preaching in the camp. In the afternoon a rain 
storm set in, continuing all night. The tents were not 
properly ditched, and before morning the boys found their 
" sleep " thoroughly water-soaked. After this the}- matle 
up beds of cedar boughs to keep them off the damp 
ground. 

On the following Sunday, the 25th, there was a brigade 
review in the morning, by Gen. McClellan ; and preaching 
in the afternoon, by the Chaplain. 

August 26th there was a detail made from each company 
and sent out to cut away the woods, and clear the ground 
on which rV)rt Lyon was afterwards built. 

On the 27th news was receixed that the enemy was ad- 
vancing, and that we should be attacketl before morning. 
A fresh supply of ammunition was issued, knapsacks packed, j 
and a sharp lookout was maintained all night. Nothing 1 
came of it, however. 

From this time to September 5th, the ordinary routine 1 
of camp and picket duty was kept up. The picket line 
was along Hunting Creek. The "boys" seemed to like it, 
as it was gipsy-like, and preferable to remaining in camp, — 
on account of green corn, potatoes and fruit, which were 
plentiful. 

On the 5th an election was held to fill the vacancies I 
caused by the promotion of Col. Slocum to be Brigadier- 
General, the resignation of Lieut. -Col. Chambers, and the 
death of Lieutenant Park. The result was the election of 
J. J. Bartlett, Colonel ; A. D. Adams, Lieutenant-Colonel; 
and C. C. Gardiner, Major. In place of Lieut. Park, Geo. 
Dickson was made Lieutenant. 




Col. J. J. Bartlett, 



22 RECORD OK lym UfiOlMENT N. V. VOLS, 

On the same day the regiment was detached from Hehit- 
zleman's brigade, and assigned to a new brigade, commanded 
by Gen. Slocum, which was composed of the i6th, 26th and 
27th New York, and the 5th Maine Volunteers ; and was a 
few days later (the 12th) ordered into camp on the site of 
Fort Lyon, and built that fort. The camp at this place was 
called Camp Dickinson, in honor of Hon. D. S. Dickinson, 
of Binghamton, N. Y. Here we put aside our drilling, and 
exchanged our guns for the pick and shovel. The monot- 
onous labor of building the fort was kept up for the next 
month, varied only by an occasional picket tour, or patrol 
after the cake, pie and whiske}' peddlers, who came out from 
Alexandria and infested the camp. Rations of whiskey 
were occasionally issued, and although each man received 
only a half gill, yet by ways known only to a soldier, some 
would get drunk and find their way to the guard-house. 

Fort Lyon was the grandest camping ground the regi- 
ment ever occupied. Standing on the entrenchments, and 
looking to the right, across the Potomac, could be seen the 
City of Washington, with the dome of the Capitol rising 
proudly towards the sky. Vessels were plying to and fro 
in the river, while Alexandria lay beneath us, like a sullen 
child, — its Confederate sympathizers cowed into silence by 
the presence of troops and the frowning of cannon. In 
front stretched the green valley of Hunting Creek, and to 
the left the highlands in the direction of Ball's Cross Roads: 
an artistic view, worthy of a painter's skill. 

The picket lines were frequently posted on the Fairfax 
road and on the Stone road ; also on the plantation of Dr. 
Mason, who was in the Confederate lines. The Mason 
family were bitter towards the soldiers ; and the boys 
seemed to take a delight in milking their cows, — an occu- 
pation at which they were frequently aided by the slaves 
on the plantation. The Windsor plantation, further out, 
was at one time raided by order, and a fine herd of blooded 
stock was brought in, and some fine horses. These, how- 
ever, were afterwards restored to the owner, by orders from 
headquarters. 



FIRST FORAGING EXPEDITION. 23 

October 3d a detachment, consisting of Co. F of the 
27th, and companies from the 5th Maine and 26th New 
York, was sent out, under command of Col. Christian, of 
the 26th. They took the Mount Vernon road, and marched 
out through the Village of Occoaquan, near Pohick church, 
in which Gen. Washington and his family formerly wor- 
shippeci. The outposts of the enemy wx^re met, but retired 
without firing a shot. On the return, a private in Co. F 
w-as accidentally shot and killed by one of his comrades. 

On ■ date, Cos. K and C, commanded by Capts. 

Achilles and Wells, with a wagon train, made a raid upon 
the plantation of Col. John Washington, adjoining Mt. Ver- 
non, on the Potomac, some fourteen miles from our camp. 
They secured several hundred bushels of grain, thirty-six 
barrels of salted Potomac herring, besides flour, bacon, sev- 
eral head of cattle, etc. 

Some excitement was caused in camp during their ab- 
sence by a report from the outposts, that a heavy cloud of 
dust marked the movement of the enemy in the direction 
of the Washington estate ; and Gen. Slocum at once sent a 
force to their relief — which met the raiders returning with 
their plunder, unmolested. 

A few days after, Col. Washington, who was in the Con- 
federate army, was shot and killed by a Union sharp-shooter, 
while he was reconnoitering our lines. 

Gen. Slocum's brigade was transferred to another location 
on October 14th, about half a mile southeast of Fairfax Sem- 
inary. In the immediate vicinity were the brigades of Gen. 
Kearney and Gen. Newton, and the three brigades together 
formed a division, commanded by Gen. F"ranklin, — the nu- 
cleus of the grand army known in history as the Army of 
the Potomac. 

The camp of the 27th at this locality was named " Camp 
Clara," in honor of Mrs. Slocum, the wife of our first Colonel. 
Here we built log foundations to our tents, and went into 
winter quarters, and once more resumed our drilling, which 
was kept up almost uninterruptedly until the mud became 



24 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. V(^LS. 

SO deep on our drill ground, about mid-winter, that it had 
to be discontinued. 

Wliile in camp here, runaway slaves would often come 
into the lines and engage themselves as servants to the 
officers. Gen. Slocum hired a bright boy as body servant, 
whom ihe boys named " Jeff," after the President of the 
Confederate States, and he soon became a general favorite. 
About this time, orciers were issued to the army, that all 
slaves should be returned to their masters, if a demand were 
made for them. Jeff's master and some rebel neighbors 
came after him, but the boys in our regiment getting wind 
of it, soon planned an "underground railroad," and Jeff 
was spirited away from one tent to another, and so securely 
hidden that, although every tent in camp was searched, this 
little darky never again gladdened the heart of his master. 
Gen. Slocum took him with him to the Peninsula, and he 
followed the fortunes of the army till about the time of the 
retreat, when he succumbed to the swamp fever; but was 
tenderly nursed by his fellow servants, in an attic room of 
a house where the General had his headquarters. One day, 
as a fellow-servant entered his room, he exclaimed, in his 
delirium, " Hurry up and black the General's boots !" These 
were his last words, and he soon passed away. 

Many of the officers, having fixed up their quarters in 
comfortable shape, sent for their wives ; and the camp 
seemed like the homes of a country village. The monotony 
of camp life was relieved by amusements of various kinds. 
Literary comrades became war correspondents, and in their 
diminutive quarters penned articles which were printed in 
the Northern journals, and fired anew the enthusiasm of the 
loyal. Sportive comrades (and there were many) employed 
their leisure moments in shuffling the "deceptive cards," 
and staking their " Government salary " on strong hands. 
Still others studied the army tactics, with a worthy ambition 
to ascend the ladder of military fame. The 27th was made 
up of an aggregation of rare geniuses, and its reputation 
extended wherever the drum-beat of the Army oT the Po- 
tomac was heard. 



TRANSFER OF THE 26tH. 25 

On November 8th, a brass band of twenty pieces was 
mustered in as part of the regiment, with Alexander Scott, 
of Rochester, as leader. 

In November, the 26th New York was transferred to 
another brigade, and the 96th Pennsylvania took its place 
in Slocum's bri""ade. 



KOSXKK OK 

GEN. W. B FRANKLIN'S DIVISION, 

AUTUMN AND WINTER OF 1861. 



CAVALRY. 



Col. McReynold's 1st New York Volunteers (Lincoln 
Cavalry). 

INFANTRY. 

First Bric^ade. — Gen. PHILIP KEARNEY. — ist, 2d, 3d and 
4lh New Jersey Volunteers. 

Second Brigade. — Gen. H. W. Slocum. — 27th New York, 
1 6th New York, 5th Maine, 96th Pennsylvania. 

Third Brigade. — Gen. John Newton. — i8th New York, 
31st New York, 32d New York, 95th Pennsylvania (Goslinc 
Zouaves). 

ARTILLERY. 

Piatt's Battery D, 2d United States — Six Napoleon guns. 

Porter's A, Massachusetts — P'our lo-pound Parrott guns ; 
two 1 2-pound howitzers. 

Hexamer's A, New Jersey — Four lo-pound Parrott guns; 
two 12-pound howitzers. 

Wilson's F, New York — Four 3-inch ordnance guns. 



26 RKCOKI) ()!■ 27TII RE(;n[KXT X. V. VOLS. 

During the winter three events of special interest occurred. 
The first was the great review at Bailey's Cross Roads, No- 
vember 20th, when about ioo,ooo soldiers passed in review 
before President Lincoln and Gen. McClellan. The 27th 
received special praise for the splendid division lines main- 
tained, in spite of the muddy and slippery condition of the 
ground over which they passed. This review was one of 
extraordinary grandeur, and it seemed as if there were troops 
enough to move tJirough the Confederacy without a repulse. 

The next event was the execution of a soldier, named 
Johnson, of the 1st New York Cavalry, on December 13th. 
He was taken while attempting to desert to the enemy, with 
the intention of having his company captured on the picket 
post. On his person were found drafts of the fortifications. 
It seems that he was from New Orleans, and had joined this 
command for the purpose of serving the Southern cause. 
He was speedily tried, and sentenced to be shot. The en- 
tire division was marched out to witness the execution, and 
formed on three sides of a square. The prisoner ^\•as placed 
in position, blindfolded, and while kneeling upon his cof^n, 
ten members of his company marched to within a few paces, 
and fired their carbines into his breast. He fell forward on 
his face, and the troops marched past the body and back to 
their camp. This was the first execution after the opening 
of hostilities, by sentence of court martial. 

January I, 1862. — The new year was welcomed in by the 
firing of cannon and music by the bands. Volley after vol- 
ley of musketry was fired, until the whole army participated 
in the noisy demonstration. Citizens of Washington and 
iMexandria were alarmed, thinking that a battle was being 
fought. 

But the "red-letter" day of the regiment, while in winter 
quarters, was the iith of January, '62, the occasion being 
the return of about thirty of the prisoners who had been 
captured at the Ikill Run battle. Considerable preparation 
had been made in anticij^ation of the day set for their re- 
ception. A triumphal arch of evergreens was erected on 
the extreme left of the street between the ofificers" quarters 



RETURN OF THIRTY I'KISONERS. 



27 



and the companies' cjuarters. At the centre of the arch, 
within a wreath, was the number "27," and below, thq fol- 
lowintr : 





iAielcome, ooiTLrades!" 



a 



" \^oiar Wociiids Bleed AfresH 
in ovir Hearts." 





It was Saturdaj^ afternoon. The whole regiment turned 
out. and, headed by Scott's Band, and preceded by Gen. 
Slocum and staff, marched down the Alexandria road about 
a mile, where they met the comrades, fresh from a Southern 
prison pen, under the command of Corp. Merrill, whom they 
had selected to direct their movements. They were a fan- 
tastic squad,— some dressed with government blankets over 
their shoulders, to protect them from the wintry blast ; 
others, with rags hanging about their emaciated frames. 
The regiment halted and formed in two ranks, open order, 
facing inward. Gen. Slocum and staff, with the field ofifi- 
cers, advanced and saluted the prisoners, and escorted them 
between the open ranks, while Scott's Band played " Bold 
Soldier Boy," and the whole regiment set up a terrific 
cheering. The line was re-formed, and escorted the pris- 
oners to Camp Clara, where the parade was dismissed, and 
every one participated in a sort of do-as-you-please enter- 
tainment until a late hour. The enthusiasm was conta- 
gious, and many officers and men from other regiments, 
camped in the vicinity, came to help welcome the returned 
comrades, and participate in the general hilarity. 

The next day the Richmond boys, each with a furlough 
for twenty days, started for a visit to their several homes. 



28 RECORD OF 2JTU REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

From ihis time till Spring, is known as the "Season of 
inactivity." .Some of the time picket duty was performed 
in the midst of severe rain and snow storms, the men 
suffering greatly- The camp was like a mortar-bed ; dress 
parades and drills were impossible. Details were made to 
cut wood and bring it to camp. Roads had to be repaired, 
and it took six horses to draw a one-horse load. This work 
continued until March loth, when the wood details were 
discharged, and the regiment marched, in a pouring rain, to 
Fairfa.x C. H.. fourteen miles from our camp. This move- 
ment was made by the \vh(We army, and called a " parade," 
because the enemy was not found, having retreated to the 
Rappahannock, leaving strong fortifications, — fr-om which, 
it would seem, they never could have been driven. The 
regiment, while at Fairfax, was camped near the village, 
and Col. l^artlett named the location, "Camp Diven," in 
honor of Hon. A. S. Diven, of Elmira, N. Y. Here, for the 
first time, we camped under small shelter tents: there had 
been issued, to each man, two pieces of twilled cotton cloth, 
about tour feet wide and six feet long; when these were 
buttoned together, they formed what was termed a " shelter" 
tent ; but that was a misnomer, and the boys thought it 
must have been adopted because of the very imperfect 
shelter they afforded, — except in dry and pleasant weather. 
As two comrades generally slept together, the e.xtra two 
pieces formed the ends or gables of the sh.elter, aiul when 
these pieces v\ere sloped out sufficiently, it was possible for 
a medium-sized man to crawl in on his hands and knees, 
and, b)' l>'ing in the center, shelter himself from a light dew ; 
but when two were obliged to squeeze into this queer 
sort of a "dog-house," as we dubbed it, somebody's feet 
generally protruded. When it rained, the water trickled 
through the ridge where the pieces were joined ; the rain 
also finding its way through the thin material, fell in 
fine si)ray upon our blankets. But carrying our own 
tents relieved the baggage trains of a large part of their 
load, and the nuiriber of wagons was correspondingly re- 
duced. The men recognized the necessity of this, and 



J 



RAID ON A LAGER BEEK TRAIN. 29 

after a little became reconciled to the change, and \vc had 
no other shelter during the remainder of our term of ser- 
vice. 

The soldiers will all remember Camp Diven with interest. 
One day while here, a long train of army wagons passed the 
camp, loaded with lager beer, going out to Blenker's Di- 
vision of Germans, camped more to the front. A very large 
number of men collected on each side of the road, gaping 
at the novel train, with their mouths just w.itering for the 
good stuff, that was "so near, and yet so far I" But, like 
all good soldiers, they were equal to the occasion and 
presently, as the train was ascending a little hill, some one 
managed to cut the straps that held up the tail-gate, and 
the ropes with which the canvas cover was tied over the end 
of the wagon, — when out rolled barrel after barrel of the 
Germans' beer. These were quickly rolled to one side, the 
heads knocked in, and thousands of men. with tin cups and 
pails, could be seen running to the train, all an.xious to get 
a taste of the booty. Load after load was thus dumped on 
this hill, and finally it was found necessary to make a charge 
with a whole regiment of cavalry in order to drive off the 
raiders, and to protect the train over the balance of its 
journey. 

We remained in Camp Diven two days. 

The nights were so cold that many could not sleep ; 
but the foraging was very good, and many a porker was 
brought in. 

While at Fairfax a new organization of the Army of the 
Potomac was made. Slocum's brigade and Franklin's di- 
vision were placed in McDowell's corps, and called 2d Brig- 
ade, 1st Division, ist Corps. 

On the 14th, the regiment marched back and bivouacked 
near Brenton's Tavern, and on the next day returned to 
" Camp Clara," where we remained till the morning of April 
4th, when Fred. Bender's bugle called the regiment into 
line, and we started on a march to Alexandria, and took 
the cars to Manassas Plains, and from there marched, via 
Bristol, to Catlett's Station, where we bivouacked for sev- 



30 RECORO OF 27'I'1I RE(;LMENT N. V, \()LS. 

cral days, under our shelter tents. While here a terrible 
storm of rain and snow came on, and the camp, being on 
low ground, was almost flooded, so that the men had to 
abandon the camp and seek shelter on higher ground, under 
sheds and in negro cabins, near a farm house. Here we built 
up rousing fires in those old Virginia fireplaces, and around 
them at night the men could be found in scjuads, singing 
(while the pitiless storm ragetl without), " Do they miss me 
at home?" and other songs, all tending to cheer them up 
in their forlorn condition ; and could you have looked in 
uj)on us, you would have found a happy, jolly crowd. 
The calves, chickens and pigs that were brought in, were 
served up in savory style, and the feasting and revelry that 
marked this camj) will be long remembered by every com- 
rade. 

Some of the officers will remember the uncivil manner 
in which Gen. Kearney drove them off when they sought 
shelter at a house where he had established his head- 
quarters. 

The weather having cleared, we returned to camp, 
and at daylight on the I2th boarded the cars, and returned 
to Alexandria, where we went into camp, near Fort Ells- 
worth. 

Before leaving Catlett's Station, there was a dispute be- 
tween Gens. Slocum and Kearney as to which brigade 
should take the cars, as there was transportation for one 
brigade only. It was decided in favor of our brigade, and 
we boarded the platform cars and started, being drawn by 
two wheezy old engines. We moved along very well on 
the level track and down-grades, but on the up-grades we 
had to dismount, and sometimes help the engines up with 
the empty train. The consequence was, that when we ar- 
rived at Alexandria, we found a part of Kearney's men 
already in camp, — he having marched them over the dis- 
tance in better time than our train made ! 



CHAF»XK1^ III. 

WE remained in this camp till the i/th, A\hen the regi- 
ment, accompanied by Gen. vSlocum and staff, em- 
barked on the steamer S. R. Spaulding and sailed down the 
Potomac, passing Mt. Vernon and other points of interest 
on this historic stream. 

For a time the scenery along the banks was magnificent, 
and the men, accustomed only to plodding np and down 
the hills, through Virginia mud, enjoyed the new sensation 
of a sail very much ; but at night a violent storm set in ; 
many were sea-sick ; and, while the \\ind whistled through 
the shrouds, and the vessel rolled, making but little head- 
way in the darkness, many a man was ready to exchange 
" his life on the ocean wave " for the red mud again. 

We remained on the steamer for several da}-s ; were quar- 
tered on the upper deck, without shelter from the rain, and 
with no facilities for cooking our food. We ate our salt 
pork ra\\% and sometimes (b\' paj'ing the cook), we could 
get enough hot water from the galle}' to make a cup of 
coffee. 

On the afternoon of the 23d we ran down past Fortress 
Monroe, securing a fine view of the outside of the fort. 
At dark we ran over to Ship Point, and on the 24th landed 
near the mouth of the York River, and put up our tents in 
a beautiful grove of pine trees along the shore. Here oys- 
ters and clams w'ere plentiful, and, while the main part of 
the army was besieging Yorktown, we quietly remained at 



32 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

this safe distance, and fairly reveled in the bivalves, fresh 
from the beds. On May 3d, Yorktown was evacuated, and 
the next day we bid a sorrowful good-by to our camp and 
oysfer-beds, and re-embarked on the S. R. Spaulding; an- 
chored in the bay for the night, and at daylight (May 5th) 
ran up the York River as far as Yorktown, and anchored. 
While here we could distinctly hear the cannonading of the 
battle of Williamsburg. On the following day the fleet ran 
up the river to West Point, the S. R. Spaulding in the lead. 
The journey was one that never will be forgotten by the 
soldiers of that command. The banks and sloping hills 
were green with the heavy foliage of May, and the beaut}- 
of the scene far exceeded anything before witnessed by the 
men, on the soil of Virginia. It was a sun-burst of Ma\' 
glory, preceding the gloom of a tedious and bloody cam- 
paign. A landing was effected at Brick House Point, on 
the left bank of the river, opposite West Point, the regi- 
ment going ashore in small boats, — Col. Bartlett, in a boat 
with Co. " C," being the first to land ; and, after searching 
the fiekl with his glass, ordered the regiment ashore. Onl}- 
a few of the enemy's mounted videttes and infantry scouts 
were discovered. The regiment was deployed as skirmishers 
upon the open jjlain, which extended back a mile or more 
to a dense forest. Across this plain the line advanced to a 
roadway running into the woods, along which the picket 
posts were established for the night, in squads of three or 
tour, with interxals of four or fi\e rods between. In the 
rear of this line lay the reserve. About dark two prisoners 
from the 5th Texas were captured, on the left. C^ne of 
these was a very tall man, and the other a little short man, 
who wore spectacles, — a comical looking soldier. 

Darkness soon came on ; the night was ver\' cold, and 
the men began their anxious watch through the long, dark 
hours. The moon rose over the woods soon after i 1 o'clock, 
and exposed some of the posts to the view of the enemy — 
who were lurking in the woods. All seemed quiet in 
front till 12 o'clock, when Lieut. Bailey, of Co. D, began 
his tour of inspection along the \idette posts. He tarried 



SHOOTING OF BAILEY AND HARTLEY. 33 

to chat with some of his men who were stationed in a clear- 
ing occupied by two or three " poor-white-trash cabins," 
with the gardens grown up to bushes. Through this clear- 
ing ran a wagon track, which terminated at the woods, with 
a set of bars. Bailey seated himself on the knapsack of 
Corp. Crocker, who was standing guard, and with \\'hom he 
was conversing in a low tone, saying " he was anxious to 
meet the enemy in battle on the morrow ," as he had nexer 
been in an engagement, on account of sickness. Crocker, 
hearing a rustling of the leaves in the direction of the 
woods, notified Bailey, who, seizing the gun of one of the 
comrades who was lying down, took his stand b)- the side 
of Crocker, both peering into the darkness: soon they saw 
approaching, along the roadway, two men walking side by 
side, with guns at a trail, and not more than fifteen or 
twenty feet distant. "llaltl Who comes there?" de- 
manded Bailey. The two men immediately drew their 
pieces, Crocker and Bailey doing the same. Two of the 
four pieces were discharged, Bailey and one rebel falling 
with their guns cocked, neither having fired. Crocker, with 
his companions, retired towards the reserve, re-loading his 
piece as he did so. They then lay down in silence the bal- 
ance of the night. 

At daybreak, when the advance was made, we found a 
body dressed in gray, a few feet in front of (^ur fallen officer. 
Both the victims lay on their backs, outstretched at full 
length, with their heads in opposite directions, l^ailey was 
shot through the heart, and the rebel through the left arm 
and neck. On search, the dead Confederate proved to be 
Sergt. Wm. Hartley, of the Fourth Alabama. On his body 
was found an order from Gen. Magruder, authorizing Hart- 
ley to act as a scout ; also a revolver, and a gold watch of 
antique English pattern. After the war, Lieut. C. N. Elliott 
forwarded the watch to Hartley's family, at Huntsville, 
Alabama, and received a kind acknowledgment of the cour- 
tesy. The watch proved to be an old family relic. Hartley 
was a Yale graduate, and a \oung man of promise. Among 



34 



RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 



the letters found on his person were some from a young 
lady friend in New Haven. 

Lieut. Bailey was from Binghamton, N. Y., and a young 
officer of great promise, and a favorite with the ^\'hole reg- 
iment. He had received his commission only a few days 
before, and this was his first tour of duty as an ofificer. 
The ball that killed him passed through the Compan}' Roll- 




RoLL-BooK OF Co. "D," SHOWING BULLET-HOLE AND 

Blood Stains. 




Rp:volver Found on (the Rei!El) Hartlf\'s J^odv. 

Book, which he carried in his left side pocket, and through 
the name of Crocker. This ghastly relic is still preserved 
by one of the comrades of Co. " D." Corporal Crocker 
still owns the revolver that was found on the hoch" of his 



ADVANCE T(^ THE LINE OF BATTLE. 35 

\ ictim ; and, by the way, has made New Haven his home 
since the war, and is now hving in the same city as the lady 
whose lover he killed on that memorable field. The body 
of Lieut. Bailey was placed in a rough board box, and ten- 
derly buried by his comrades, at the side of the York River, 
beneath two weeping-willow trees, and marked by a board. 
The body of Hartley was interred where he fell. This 
tragic death of Lieut. Bailey, and the swift retribution that 
met the handsome, daring Rebel scout, was a marked inci- 
dent in the history of the regiment. 

At daylight on the morning of the 7th, we advanced our 
line of skirmishers into the woods, and soon had our picket 
line established in a half-circle, with the York River on the 
left, and the Pamunkey on the right. 

About 9 o'clock Capt. Jay, of Co. F, with a detail fn^ii 
different companies, made an advance through the woods. 
Seeing a few cavalrymen on a hill in advance, his force was 
so disposed as to capture them, if possible. As the little 
force advanced, the cavalrymen leisurely fell back over the 
brow of the hill, and the Captain bid his men go on, — say- 
ing he was a little lame, and would follow as fast as he could. 
When the advance reached the top of the hill, they found 
themselves within short range of a heavy line of battle. 
Our boys fired their pieces, and then retreated, — some to 
the cover of the woods on the right and left, and others 
I straight down the field, in the direction from which the)- 
had advanced, followed by a shower of rebel bullets. 
Sergt. Ronk, of Co. " C," sought shelter behind a clump 
of bushes, where he remained till nearly every branch was 
shot away by the enemy's balls. Then jumping up and 
running for his life, he cleared a rail fence at a single bound, 
and came down in a deep ditch on the other side. He often 
afterwards declared that he was the worst frightened man in 
the Army of the Potomac. Li this retreat Capt. Jay led 
the line. He was not lame then : hatless, and with coat- 
tails flying, he came through the woods upon the reserves, 
shouting: "Get out of these woods! Get out of these 
woods !" 



36 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

When our men discharged their pieces, an officer seated 
on a gray horse fell to the ground ; and the next day, when 
the adv^ance was made, we found a fresh grave, and the 
headboard was marked, " Major , of the First Regi- 
ment of Texans." Two of our men were lost. 

The enemy followed up closely, and a general engage- 
ment came on. The plan of the Rebels was to drive our 
skirmishers from the dense woods, and endeavor to get a 
position in the open ground between the woods and the 
river, from which they could reach our place of landing and 
our transports with their artillery fire. The open [)lain was 
covered with Union regiments, batteries of artillery and 
battalions of cavalry, the division having all landed. The 
battle now commenced in dead earnest. The forest was all 
ablaze with musketry. They succeeded in driving us away 
from the woods, but when they attempted to advance, our 
fire was too much for them, and they were driven back, 
with the aid of the artillery and the gunboats, which sent 
over the heads of our men, their ponderous messengers of 
death. The battle continued till 3 o'clock, when the enemy 
retired. 

After being relieved, we had little to do except to watch 
the shells as they exploded between the contending lines ; 
and, aside from the danger connected with it, it is one of 
the grandest things, in the fireworks line, one ever saw. 
We could not see the shell, but by aid of the sound its 
path could be traced. At first it rushes along high in air, 
at a rate that puzzles the eyes and ears to follow it, 
when — presto ! change ! and where nothing had been seen 
before, a little cloudlet of whitish blue smoke appears, and 
the sharp report soon comes to our ears. The furious whistle 
or screech of the shell, its tremendous rapidity, its instant 
explosion and apparently dead stop, make it wonderfully 
exciting and brilliant. 

The casualties of the battle of West Point did not fall 
heavily on our regiment. 

The following extracts are froni the reports of the com- 
manding officers, in regard to the battle of West Point : 



GEN. FRANKLIN S REPORTS. 37 

Headquarters Frankt.in's Division, I 
At Rrick House, May 7, 1862. \ 

General: — I have the honor to report that, this morninjj;, about seven 
o'clock, our pickets were driven in on our left flank ; and that, after skir- 
mishing for about two hours, the action became quite sharp at the right 
extremity of that tiank. Our reserves were driven in several times, but 
returned to their positions with ardor. Finally we held the position which 
we had taken in the morning, and at several points of the line advanced 
our positions. Wherever we advanced, the enemy was found in rifle-pits. 
The da)' has been a success, and but for the extreme want of forage and 
provisions, we might have followed it up. As it is, I congratulate myself 
that we have maintained our position. Gen. Newton's command was 
most severely engaged, and his conduct and that of Gen. Slocum, who 
have charge respectiveh' of the right and left wings, was admirable. 

All of the officers and men behaved admirably, and with transportation 

and forage we could move on to-morrow. The killed and wounded and 

missing amount to 186. 

Very respectfully, 

W. B. FRANKLIN, 

Brigadier-General Commanding Division. 



Headquarters of Division, | 
White House, Va., May 17, 1862. i 

Gener.a^l : — I have the honor to make the following report of the land- 
ing of my division on York River, near West Point, on the 6th instant ; 
and of the action with the eiiemv, near the point of disembarkation, on 
the 7th instant. 

In obedience to the orders of the General-in-Chief, the division left 
Cheesman's Creek during the night of the 4th, using for the infanti)- and 
a portion of the cavalry the transportation which had brought them from 
Alexandria ; and for the aitillerv, canal boats fastened together in pairs, 
decked over so as to serve as wharves for landing ; and a few barges and 
schooners. I arrived at the point designated for the landing at three r. m. 
of the 6th. The landing commenced as soon as a reconnoissance of the 
shore was finished. My ignorance of the topograph)' of the place of land- 
ing, and the fact that the enemy's cavalry and infantry were seen in the 
woods surrounding the plain on which we landed, as soon as the landing 



38 RECORD OF 27'rH REGIMENT N, Y. VOLS< 

began, convinced me that something was to be feared from the enemv in 
the morning. During the night one of our pickets and one of the enemj^'s 
were killed, and two prisoners were taken by our pickets. From these 
we learned that the enemy was in large force in our front, and that we 
were to be attacked in the morning. Precautions were taken during the 
night to prevent the success of an attack. The roads approaching the 
landing were obstructed by felled trees; the vigilance of the sentinels 
was redoubled ; the wood surrounding the plain upon which the landing 
was made, was thoroughly watched b}' pickets which were posted 1)\ ("ol. 
Rartlett's Twenty-seventh New York Regiment, the Colonel being general 
officer of the day, and to their watchfulness and etlicitMuv our success of 
the next day is, to a great extent, due. 

Nothing was heard from the enemy until about nine o'clock in the 
inorning : then firing between the inikets in the virinitv of the road en- 
tering the jjlain from the interior commenced, and increased in violence 
until the action Ijecame severe, between ten and ele\en o'clock. The 
Twenty-se\'enth New York Regiment, Col. l^artlett, was on picket during 
the night of the 6th. 'i'hree ccnnp.anies helped to commence the contest 
on the next day. They beha\ed well ; and ('apt. jay, (jf that regiment, 
was distinguished for his good conduct and good sense. I'he other 
seven companies of this regiment sup[)orted ^VMlson's Batter\- during tlu' 
day. I recommend to your faxcnable considerati(m Gens. Slocum and 
Newton, who commandeil the left and 1 ight wings ; both showed superior 
skill in placing troops on the tiekl. I regret that our loss was so heavy, 
but it is no larger than might have been anticipated, considering the 
severity of the attack and the numbers engaged on both sides. 
\'ery respectfullv voiirs, 

W. H. FRANKLIN, 

( 'ommanding Division. 



Heaix.iuarters Si'.coNn Brigade, ) 
Near West Poin r, V'a., May 7, 1S62. j 

Sir : — I have the honor to report that, in the engagement which occurred 
to-day, I was in command of the centre and left wing of our forces. It 
was apparent, soon after the commencement of the engagement, that the 
efforts of the enemy were to be directed mainlv against our right wing ; 
and at the request of Gen. Newton, I sent reinforcements to him, consist- 
ing of the Fifth Maine, and the Sixteenth and Twenty-seventh New York, 



GENERAL NEWTC^N S RKTORT. 39 

wliicli arc altaclicd to llic brigade under niv coininand. All of our troops, 
so far as my observation extended, behaved with great coolness and 
bravery. The First Massachusetts Battery, under command of Capt. 
Porter, is entitled to great credit for the accuracy' of its fire. 

I am greatl}' indebted to Capt. H. C. Rogers and other members of 
my staff, all of whom were actively engaged during the entire da)\ 
I am, sir, verv respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, H. W. SLOCUM, 

Brigadier-General Volunteers. 



Heaikiuartkrs TiiiKii Brk^.ade, I 
West Point, Va., May 8, 1862. \ 

Sir : — I have the honor to report the result of the action with the enemy 
on the 7th instant. Early in the morning of that da}', the division having 
landed at this place the night previous, I made, as far as time permitted, 
an examination of the ground upon which we had landed ; and aided by 
information obtained from Captain Jay, of the Twenty-seventh New York 
Volunteers — whose gallaut conduct during the day deserves honorable 
mention — I became satisfied that the map of the locality furnished us was 
entirely incorrect, in a military point of view; in consequence of which 
it became necessar}' to change the location of my brigade to the right of 
the position. 

A little before g A. m. the pickets commenced firing on the front of the 
right of our position, and I immediately directed Capt. Hexamer's battery 
to harness up and proceed to that point. Pickets then signaled the en- 
emy approaching in large force, with cavalr\' and artillery, upon the right, 
which was occupied by my brigade. Soon the firing of musketry in front 
became ver}' quick and rapid, and in heav}' volleys, indicating the presence 
of a large force before us. After a gallant and obstinate resistance, our 
pickets and several reconnoitering parties which liad been sent out, were 
driven in by overwhelming forces. The pickets fell back in good order, 
and, being reinforced b}' two regiments, were again sent forward. By 
II A. M. the force of the eneni}' engaged had become so great that my men 
were forced back to the edge of the woods, retiring slowly and in excellent 
order. I then threw into the woods, in front of the right, four regiments, 
witli directions to " feel " the enemy, and maintain their ground at all 
hazards. I am happ}' to say that this was effectual, and that for three 
hours — until 3 p. M., when the action terminated — my position was firmly 
held,jwhen the encmj' slowly retired. 



40 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

Gen. Slocuin, who commanded the left and centre ot the division, gen- 
erously furnished me with all the assistance I required. Among the troops 
engaged on our side were three companies of the Twenty-seventh New 
York. All the troops engaged behaved with great steadiness. 

Our loss in the action was over 200, in killed, wounded and missing. 
I regret to add a long list of killed and wounded among the officers en- 
gaged. 

Capt. Hess, of the Thirty-first New York, with a single company in 
front of a regiment of the enemy, was killed, and his two lieutenants were 
wounded — one mortally, and the other severely. Of this one company all 
the non-commissioned officers, save one, were killed, and forty privates 
killed and wounded, — evincing a degree of heroism which is worthy of all 
praise. 

All the troops engaged behaved with great steadiness, and there were 
man}- other instances of heroism among the officers and men brought to 
my notice, but they are too numerous to be included in a report. 

The eneni}- committed inhuman barbarities upon some of the wounded. 
One was found with his throat cut, and another bore the marks of eight 
bayonet stabs in his body. 

I have no means of ascertaining correctly the force of the enemy. We 
know, however, that it was at least Gen. Whiting's division, including the 
Hampton Legion. Besides this large body of the enemy, a reserve at 
least 20,000 strong was supporting the attacking force. The attack which 
thev made was evidently with a view to prevent the division molesting 
their line of retreat, and to drive us into the river, if thej' obtained the 
advantage. The gunboats rendered efficient service by throwing shells 
into the enemy, at a distance of two miles. At the end of the day we 
occupied a position in advance of that held at the commencement of the 
action. 

I am, very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

JOHN NEWTON. 
Commanding Right Wing General Franklin's Division. 



ROSTER OF SIXTH ARMY CORPS. 

MAJOR- GEN. WM. B. FRANKLIN, COMMANDING. 
In the Peninsular Campaign, 1862. 



FIRST DIVISION. 

Major-General H. W. Slocum, Commanding. 
First Brigade. — Col. A. T. A. TORBERT. — ist, 2d, 3d and 
4th New Jersey Volunteers. 

Second Brigade. — Col. J. J. Bartlett. — 16th and 27th 
New York, 5th Maine and 96th Pennsylvania. 

Third Brigade. — Brigadier-Gen. JOHN NewtoN. — i8th, 
31st and 32d New York V^olunteers, and 95th Pennsylvania 
(Gosline Zouaves.) 

ARTILLERY. 

Piatt's Battery D, 2d United States — Six Napoleon guns. 

Porter's A, Massachusetts — Four lo-pound Parrott guns; 
two 1 2-pound howitzers. 

Hexamer's A, New Jersey — Four lo-pound Parrott guns; 
two 1 2-pound howitzers. 

Wilson's F, New York — Four 3-inch Ordnance guns. 

SECOND DIVISION. 

Major-Gen. WiLLlAM F. Smith, Commanding. 

First Brigade. — Brigadier-Gen. VV. S. HANCOCK. — 5th 
Wisconsin, 49th Pennsylvania, 43d New York, 6th Maine. 

Second Brigade. — Brigadier-Gen. W^ H. Brooks. — 2d, 3d, 
4th, 5th and 6th Vermont Volunteers. 

Third Brigade. — Brigadier-Gen. DAVIDSON. — 33d, 77th, 
49th New York Volunteers, and 7th Maine Volunteers. 

ARTILLERY. 

Ayres's F, 5th United States — Four lo-pound Parrotts 
and two Napoleons. 

Mott's 3d New York Battery — Four lo-pound Parrotts 
and two Napoleons. 

Wheeler's E, ist New York — Four 3-inch Ordnance guns. 

Kennedy's 1st New York Battery — Six 3-inch Ordnance 
guns. 



42 RECORD OF 2yTH REGIMENT N. Y. VOES. 

The next morning after the battle a detail from our regi- 
ment accompanied Gen. Slocum beyond our lines, to ascer- 
tain the position and numbers of the enemy. Marching 
through the woods, evidences of the conflict of the previ- 
ous day were noticeable on all sides. Large trees were 
splintered by the gunboat shells, dead soldiers were strewn 
here and there, and the ambulance force was busy gathering 
the bodies for burial. As the escort was moving leisurely 
along, they met two colored men coming in from the en- 
emy's lines. They were carefully questioned by the Gen- 
eral, as to the location and numbers of the enemy. One 
of the colored men replied : " Dar's heaps ob dem out in 
de field. Dis poor uneducated nigger can't count 'em, but 
dcy's like the locusts of Egypt, and dat's as near as I can 
cipher it, Massa." The escort did not advance further, but 
soon after returned to camp. Two days the regiment lay 
in camp three miles from the battle-field, at Brick House 
Point, and on the nth moved to Eltham. While here 
Gen. McClellan rode through our camp, and the same day 
it was announced that the enemy had evacuated Norfolk. 
We then began to move up the peninsula, in the rear of 
the rebel army, which Avas gradually drawing closer to 
Richmond. 



A LOYAL SECP:SSI()N SONG. 43 

As \vc adviinccd, in a deserted rebel encampment wo 
found numerous loyal secession songs, which their soldiers 
were encouraged to sing. The following is a sample : 

Come, all 3'c sons of freedom, and join our Southern band ; 
We are going to fight the enemy, and drive them from our land. 
Justice is our motto, and Providence our guide. 
So jump into the wagon, and we'll all take a ride. 

Chorus — Wait for the wagon, 

The dissolution wagon ; 
The South is our wagon, 
And we'll all take a ride. 

Secession is our password, and our rights we'll all demand, 
And to defend our firesides we pledge our hearts and hands ; 
Jeff. Davis is our President, with Stephens by his side, 
Brave Beauregard, our General, will join us in the ride. 
Chorus. 

Our wagon's plent\' large enough, our running-gear is good. 
It's stuffed witii cotton around the sides, and made of Southern wood; 
.South Carolina is the driver, with Georgia b}" her side, 
Virginia will hold our flag up, and we'll all take a ride. 
Chorus. 

There's Tennessee and Texas also in the ring ; 
The}- wouldn't have a government where Cotton isn't king ; 
.-\labama, too, and Florida have long ago replied ; 
Mississippi is in the wagon, and anxious for a ride. 
Chorus. 

Kentucky and Maryland are slow ; 
They must join ere long, or where will they go? 
The Missouri boys are ready to join our noble tide. 
So come along, brave Jackson, and join us in the ride. 
Chorus. 

Our cause is just and holy, our men are brave and true ; 
To whip the Lincoln invaders, is all we have to do. 
God bless our noble army, — in Him we all confide. 
So jump into the wagon, and we'll all take a ride. 

Chorus — Wait for the wagon. 

The dissolution wagon ; 
The South is our wagon. 
And we'll all take a ride. 



44 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

On the 13th started at 3 A. M., and after a ten-mile march 
in the scorching sun, we reached the sandy plain of Cum- 
berland. Here we formed a junction with our main army, 
that had come up from Yorktown by way of Williamsburg. 
Soon after getting into camp, the enemy made a dash on 
our wagon train, which created some alarm. We were 
called into line, but the excitement was soon over. Cum- 
berland was made a base of supplies for the Army of the 
Potomac ; and while here Gen. McClellan organized two 
additional army corps : the Fifth Corps to be commanded 
by Fitz John Porter, and the Sixth Corps to be commanded 
by Franklin. By this change, Franklin's division and 
W. F. Smith's division constituted the Sixth Corps, and 
Gen. Slocum assumed command of the First Division. 
Col. Bartlett was put in command of Slocum's brigade, and 
the 27th Regiment was commanded by Lieut. -Col. Adams. 

May 1 5th, broke camp at daylight, and marched to White 
House (about eight miles), on the Pamunky River, — a place 
where it is said Gen. Washington first met the widow Custis, 
who afterwards became his wife. Rained hard all day ; the 
roads muddy, and baggage delayed. All agreed that it was 
one of the most fatiguing marches the regiment had ever 
made. We were not allowed to take the fence rails for 
fires, and we passed a cheerless, tedious night. 

May 20th, marched to Tunstall's Station. Here the mile- 
posts on the railroad read: "To Richmond 18 miles." 
Towards evening, advanced three miles, and bivouacked 
after dark. The next day we moved on to Cold Harbor, 
on the Chickahominy River ; and on the morning of the 
22d, in company with the i6th New York, a section of ar- 
tillery, and two companies of the First New York Cavalry, 
we were sent on a reconnoissance towards Mechanicsville, 
under command of Col. Bartlett, and advanced about six 
miles, — close up to the enemy's lines. After ascertaining 
the position of the enemy, we returned to camp, where we 
arrived about 1 1 P. M., having lost only two cavalrymen — 
one of whom was killed, and the other captured. 

Col. Bartlett was complimented in flattering terms by his 




Col. a. D. Adams. 



46 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

superior officers for his skill, and the important information 
he had gained as to the position and numbers of the enemy. 
The next morning Stoneman was heard pounding away at 
Mechanicsville, which soon fell into our hands. 

On the 27th broke camp, at daylight, during a hard rain 
storm, and marched into Mechanicsville. Pitched our tents 
in a beautiful grove, in the centre of which was a large 
hotel, built on the crest of a high bank, which sloped back 
some distance from the Chickahominy. It was a lovely 
spot, five miles from Richmond, and, in ante-bellum days, 
a favorite resort for people riding out from the capital, to 
spend a pleasant afternoon or evening. There were only a 
half dozen houses in the village, all of which showed the 
marks of the shelling they had received ; and a shot that 
passed over a wheat field near by, had cut a trough just 
below the heads, the size and shape of the under side of 
the shot, as clean as it could have been done with a sickle. 

To the left of our position the main army was encamped. 
Previous to our arrival, the bridges over the Chickahominy 
had been destroyed, and McClellan built eleven bridges, 
with logway approaches across the swampy bottom lands 
which border the stream. These were all soon swept away 
by a flood, and had to be rebuilt. From this camp we per- 
formed picket duty along the river, going as far north as 
Meadow Bridge, — the enemy saluting us with an occasional 
shell. One day a twelve-pound conical shell came whistling 
through the air, and buried itself in the ground near a re- 
serve party. As it did not explode, the men dug it up and 
took it to a gunner of Upton's battery, who inserted a new 
fuse, and sent it back, aiming at a supply train that was 
passing in the distance. It struck and blew up a wagon 
loaded with ammunition, — the gunner sustaining his repu- 
tation of being the best shot in the Army of the Potomac. 

A prominent object of interest to all the soldiers, since 
landing on the peninsula, has been Prof. Lowe's captive 
balloon, which is attached to headquarters, and in which 
some of the officers make an ascent nearly every day, for 
the purpose of inspecting the rebel lines and watching their 



A PERILOUS BALLOON ASCENSION.- 47 

movements. Occasionally the rebels train a guri on it, and 
try to reach it with a shell. They do not succeed, however; 
but one of these shells, the other morning, came over our 
lines, and dropped down into the cook-house at Gen. Slo- 
cum's headquarters, scattering the camp kettles and demor- 
alizing the cooks, — who were just then preparing breakfast. 
Sometimes these ascents are quite perilous, — at least the 
one made by Gen. Fitz John Porter, in front of Yorktown, 
early in April, proved to be. The following account of it 
is taken partly from the New York Herald : 

Yorktown, Va., April ii, 1S62. 

The exciting event of the da)' has been a balloon reconnoissance, by 
Gen. Fitz John Porter, on a scale of rather larger magnitude than was 
intended. At 5 o'clock in the morning Gen. Porter took his place in 
Prof. Lowe's balloon. He supposed the usual number of ropes were 
attached to it, whereas there was only one ; and a place in this, as was 
afterwards ascertained, had been burned by vitriol used in generating gas. 
Taking his seat in the car, unaccompanied by any one, the rope was let 
out to nearly its full length — the length is about 900 yards — when, sud- 
denlv, snap went the cord ! and up went the balloon ! This was an un- 
expected part of the programme. The men below looked up with aston- 
ishment, and the general looked down with equal bewilderment. 

"Open the valve !" shouted one of the men below. " I'll manage it," 
responded the general. Up went the balloon ! higher ! ! higher ! ! ! It 
rose with great rapidity, and the wind was taking it directly over the en- 
emy's lines. Bv this time every staft' officer and hundreds of others were 
looking at the run-away monster. It was impossible to describe the anx- 
iety felt and expressed for the fate of him, the brave general, who was 
thus, apparently, being taken directl)- into the enemy's hands. In the 
meantime the general, having no wish to drop in among the rebels, 
thought it best to let the valve take care of itself ; and, throwing out a 
little ballast, soon rose out of the reach of the rebel bullets, and employed 
his time in taking notes of the rebel objects below. Crowds of soldiers 
rushed from their tents, and he could hear their shouts distinctly. The 
map of the country was clearly discernible. He saw Yorktown and its 
works ; York River and its windings. 

Fortunately a counter current of air struck the balloon, and its course 
was reversed. Its retreat from rebeldom was rapid, and when safely over 
our lines, he opened the valve, the gas escaped, and down he came. The 



48 RECORD 01< 27TH REC;iMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

car struck the top of a shelter tent, knocked the tent into " pi," and left 
him enveloped in a mass of collapsed oil silk. He crawled out, and 
found himself in the middle of a camp, not a hundred rods from Gen. 
McClellan's headquarters ; and was soon surrounded by the members of 
his staff and a squad of cavalry, who had ridden out in the direction of 
the descending balloon. 

" You are a suspicious character !" remarked one of the officers. 

"How so?" asked the general. ^ 

" In the space of half an hour, you ha\'e been taken up by a balloon, 
and arrested by a shelter tent." 

Gen. Porter made o\'er one hundi"ed ascents in the bal- 
loon while on the peninsula. 

While at Mechanicsville the battle of Hanover C. H. was 
fought, May 27th, Gen. Porter commanding ; the Fifth 
Corps engaging the enemy, who had fallen back from 
Fredericksburg towards Richmond. Our regiment was 
ordered to be prepared for action, and the reserve artillery 
in the grove was made ready for an attack. 

When we were ordered to prepare for action, a recruit in 

Co. notified his captain that he did not want to go 

to the front. He was taken over to headquarters and re- 
ported to Gen. Slocum, when he began to cry, and begged 
to be sent home. The general made game of him, and 
called him a big baby. " I wish I was a baby, and a girl 
baby, too !" whimpered the soldier. His tears, however, 
did not avail, and he was sent back to. his company, where 
he soon learned that he could not clear right out ever\' 
time a fight was brewing. 

The roar of Porter's conflict was distinctly heard, and 
all indications pointed to an engagement -in which the 27th 
would again be numbered. Nothing came of it, however, 
as Porter soon routed the enemy. 

On the night of the 30th occurred one of those terrible 
thunder storms for which Virginia is noted. The rain de- 
scended in torrents, the flashes of lightning were vivid and 
continuous, and the thunder at times seemed to fairly shake 
the earth, and at others sounded like volleys of musketry. 
In the morning the low lands were deluged, the Chicka- 



A MOVE T(^ DRAW THE ENEMV'S FIRE. 49 

hominy^had overflowed its banks, the bridges were swept 
away, — and the army had been cut in two by the rapid and 
unlool^ed-for rise ! The enemy, taking advantage of this 
condition of things, determined to fall upon, and if possible 
crush that portion south of the river. Accordingly, on the 
31st, the battle of Fair Oaks was fought; and June 1st, 
that of Seven Pines. During the latter battle our regiment 
was called out, and made a feint upon the rebel videttes at 
the Mechanicsville bridge, but elicited no response. All 
day we could see their columns moving towards Fair Oaks, 
but we were cut off from crossing the river to the support 
of our troops. 

June 1st, the regiment went on picket, and received a 
good shelling from one of the enemy's batteries.' A few 
rounds from one of our batteries soon silenced them. The 
paymaster arrived on June 2d, and we received two months' 
pay. 

The same day Gen. McClellan issued the following order: 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, ) 

Camp near New Bridge, Va. , June 2, 1862. i 
Soldiers of the Army of the Potomac : 

I have fulfilled at least a part of my promise to 3'ou. Vou are now 
face to face with the rebels, who are at bay in front of their capital. The 
final and decisive battle is at hand. Unless you belie your past history, 
the result cannot for a moment be doubtful. If the troops who labored 
so patiently and fought so gallantly at Yorktown, and who so bravel3'won 
the hard fights at Williamsburg, West Point, Hanover ("ourt House, and 
Fair Oaks, now prove worthy of their antecedents, the victory is surely 
ours. The events of every day prove }'our superiority ; wherever you have 
met the enem)^ you have beaten him ; wherever you have used the bayo- 
net, he has given way in panic and disorder. I ask of you now one last 
crowning effort. The enemy has staked his all on the issue of the coming 
battle. Let us meet and crush him here, in the ver)' centre of the rebellion. 

Soldiers, I will be with you in this battle, and share its dangers with 
y(ni. (^ur confidence in each other is now founded upon the past. Let 
us strike the blow which is to restore peace and union to this distracted 
land. Upon your valor, discipline and mutual confidence that result de- 
pends. GEO. B. McCLELLAN, 

Major-General, Commanding. 



50 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

June 4th the regiment was again on picket, and on the 
6th, after returning from picket, received orders to move. 
We left Mechanicsville just before sunset, and made a de- 
tour of several miles to the right of the direct route, antl 
reached our former camp at New Bridge just before mitl- 
night. The next morning we were called in line at 3 A. M., 
and stood under arms until daylight, expecting an attack. 

During the 8th the regiment was engaged in building- 
corduroy roads across the Chickahominy swamp ; and on 
the 9th received another lix'eU' shelling from one of the 
enemy's batteries. 

Went on picket again on the 13th, and on this date the 
rebel Gen. Stuart, with about two hundred men, made the 
entire circuit of our army, capturing two companies of the 
5th U. S. Cavalry. 

June 15th again we were at work on the corduroy ap- 
proaches to the bridges across the Chickahominy, and con- 
tinued at this work till the i8th, when we moved across the 
river, to the south side. 

There were now eleven of these trestle-work bridges 
across the river. The one on which we crossed is named 
Woodbury's Bridge, after Gen. Woodbury, of the Engineer 
Brigade, who constructed it ; and it was regarded as a tri- 
umph of military engineering. The approach to the bridge 
on the north side, from the foot of the hill, was of earth, 
raised about three feet. Deep lateral ditches were made, 
and the earth from these was thrown upon a layer of brush. 
There were about twenty cribs built upon the swampy 
shore and into the stream, and beyond these, six framed 
trestles. On the other side, there were twenty more cribs, 
or firm, compact log piers. Stringers extended from cribs 
to trestles, and from trestles to cribs upon the other side of 
the stream. Upon these were laid logs of nearly uniform 
size, for the floor of the bridge ; and these were ballasted 
on either hand by sticks of timber, which extended parallel 
with the stringers. The driveway, which was eleven feet 
between these timbers, was covered with earth. The ap- 
proach to the bridge from the south side was of raised cor- 



BUILDING BRIDGES. 5 I 

duroy. The length of the whole structure, including the 
approaches, was 4,200 feet. The length of the bridge 
proper was nearly 1,100 feet. 

Having crossed, we moved forward over the corduroy, 
through the wood, into the open country, and went into 
camp on Garnett's Farm, between the river and the battle- 
field of Fair Oaks. We were now so close to the enemy's 
lines that when on picket, in the still morning, we could 
hear roll-call in their camp. Here we constructed bough 
houses, as a protection from the scorching sun. 

While here we had more road-building, till the 23d, when 
we took a rest from this work, many of the men having be- 
come sick with malaria, which they had contracted while 
working in the swamps. 

June 2d, at 9 o'clock, we struck tents ; then policed the 
camp, and pitched tents in regular order, making a nice 
camp. There was heavy firing on our left most of the da}*. 
During the night there w^as a heavy thunder shower ; the 
lightning struck and killed two horses in the camp of the 
96th Pennsyhania. 

Again, at 2 A. M. of the 24th, we heard the bugler sound 
the notes of reveille, and, after roll-call, were ordered to 
i stack arms, and have all equipments hanging on the stacks, 
canteens all filled with water, and to hold ourselves in read- 
iness to move at a moment's notice. All day long there 
was picket-firing on the right. 

The bugle routs us out again, at 3 o'clock on the 25th, 
and we lay on our arms all day ; heavy skirmishing by the 
l)ickets all day, till 12 at night. We were called in line 
three times after dark, but everything quieted down, and 
we slept the balance of the night. During the forenoon of 
the 26th all was quiet, and till 3 P. M., when suddenly a per- 
fect storm of cannonading burst on our ears, from the direc- 
tion of Mechanicsville, and continued late into the night. 
It moved back in the direction of Gaines' Mill, and we infer 
that our troops are falling back. 

On this date, it will be remembered, Mrs. Howland, wife 
of Col. Howland, of the i6th New York, at her own ex- 



52 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

pense, furnished every man in the i6th with a neat, com- 
fortable straw hat. They looked so comfortable this hot 
morning, that our boys, wearing their fatigue-caps, almost 
envied them. 

Hark! At 3 o'clock a. M. of the 27th, the bugle sounds, 
and we are called out and marched down to protect a bridge 
across the Chickahominy. Here we lay quiet all the morn- 
ing, stretched under the comfortable shade of the trees. 
Some played cards ; others dozed away the time, under the 
soothing influence of the sound of cannon, on the north side 
of the river, where the Fifth Corps, under Gen. Fitz John 
Porter, was engaging the enemy. About 2 v. M. we saw- 
one of Gen. McClellan's aids ride up to division headquar- 
ters, and after a few hurried words with Gen. Slocum, gal- 
lop away. Soon the entire division was ordered into line, 
and, turning to the left, took the road towards Alexander's 
Bridge, across the Chickahominy. After crossing, we moved 
a short distance towards the left of the line of battle, when 
we were halted, and our brigade was detached from the 
division, and marched rapidly to the right, behind the en- 
tire line of battle, to the extreme right flank. The shot 
and shell of the enemy's guns, passing over the line of bat- 
tle, fell in our ranks all along the march. This march, mid 
the din and confusion, the screaming of shot and shell, the 
"zip" of minie balls, was a good test of the metal of our 
regiment. 

Reaching the right, we were ordered to seek shelter in a 
small ravine in the rear and a little to the left of the crest 
on which Sykes' division of regulars and the 5th and loth 
New York Volunteers were stubbornly holding in check the 
overwhelming numbers of the advancing rebels. As we lay 
in line, the half-spent balls from the enemy's guns, passing- 
over the crest, came pattering down all about us, like the 
big drops of rain on a dusty road, preceding a hard shower 
in the summer time, — their places marked by little puffs 
of dust, making our position very uncomfortable. We 
saw that several regiments of the regulars were stag- 
gering under the terrible fire, — when our brigade was or- 



GALLANT CHARGE AT (lAINES MILL. 53 

dered up, and one regiment after another was moved for- 
ward, deployed to the right, and placed in position on 
the crest. First the i6th New York, led by Col. How- 
land ; then the 96th Pennsylvania, Col. John Cake; the 
5th Maine, Col. Jackson ; and then the 27th, led by Lieut. - 
Col. Adams, and Gen. Rartlett, in person, was ordered 
to fix bayonets, and, with three ringing cheers, charged at 
double quick up the slope, driving the enemy from the left 
crest of the hill, on which there was a dwelling and numer- 
ous out-houses. No rebel troops, however brave, could 
stand the unearthly yell that we had learned to give. A 
part of our line encountered a picket fence, along a garden 
near the McGee house. This they quickly battered down 
with the butt end of their muskets, and moved on and took 
possession of the dwelling and out-houses, from which the 
enemy had been driven, capturing several prisoners, and 
among them two officers. A large body of fresh troops 
soon appeared in our front, but every man held to his place 
and nobly maintained the fight, without giving an inch of 
ground to the enemy, until long after darkness came over 
us, and the position of the rebels could be known only by 
the flash of their guns. 

About dark it was reported to our Colonel that the i6th 
had moved partly into our front, and that we were firing 
on our own men. He gave the order to cease firing, but at 
that moment our supposed friends poured a volley into us, 
at close range, which our boys, not waiting for orders, re- 
turned with interest, and the rebel regiment turned and fled 
down the road whence they came. We continued to fire, 
aiming at the flash of the enemy's guns, until near 9 o'clock, 
when Gen. Bartlett, riding up, gave the order to retire. We 
now discovered that we were the last regiment to leave the 
field, all the regiments on the right having been withdrawn ; 
and the order did not come a minute too soon, for a brigade 
of rebels had already advanced past our left, and were al- 
most in our rear. The regiment left the field in good order, 
marching as if on parade, and bringing off nearly all our 
wounded, including Major Gardiner, who had been disabled 




Maior C. C. Gardiner. 



A MAN SHOT WITH A CRACKER. 55 

Lciily in the action b}' the concussion of a shell ; and Capt. 
White, of Co. B, who had been shot through the hip, and 
w as lying on the ground in rear of his company. 

Again a line of battle was formed, near the ravine in 
w liich we took shelter in the afternoon, and we remained 
here till about 12:30, when we retired across the river, and 
I'cturned to the camp that we had left in the morning. 

In this battle there were several incidents which many of 
the men will recall. In Company " C," just as the charge 

\\ as ordered, a certain man threw a cracker at private , 

\\ ho, previous to this battle, had been on detached service. 
The cracker hit him on the leg, Avhen he fell as if shot, and 
left the field. The next day he was read off on parade as 
a coward. 

Two men in the same company, during the hottest of the 
firing, stood up and had a fierce fist fight. One, it seems, 
had stepped upon the other while he was lying down, and 
the other demanded satisfaction. The captain had to 
move to the left of the line and part them. 

In Company " B," two men were shot through the leg by 
the same ball, and afterwards both of them died from the 
shock, after undergoing amputation. 

As we withdrew from the field and approached the river, 
numerous little fires were burning, at which soldiers were 
stationed to direct stragglers to their regiments. These 
men were calling out : " This way to the ist Jersey ! " " This 
way to the loth New York!" etc.; and, a little further on, 
some wag had seated himself on a gate post, and was call- 
ing out, " This way for Broadway and Fifth Ave !" His 
grim humor put new life into many a weary limb, and woke 
up the irrepressibles all along the line. 

During the night, all the Federal forces were withdrawn 
to the south side of the Chickahominy ; the last of the rear- 
guard crossing after daylight, destroyed the bridge behind 
them. 

In this battle of Gaines' Mill the regiment lost heavily : 
12 men were killed, 10 officers and 106 men wounded, and 
23 men missing. 




Capt. H. R. White, Co. " B. 



CASUALTIES AT GAINES MILL. 57 

Every man in the regiment has reason to feel proud of 
his record made in this engagement. The brilhant charge 
of the regiment up the slope, and the stubborn manner in 
which they held the ground from which the regulars had 
been driven, even in the face of the fresh troops that the 
enemy hurled against the position, and the steady manner 
and perfect order in which they made the retreat, were fully 
recognized in the general orders of commanding officers. 

All about us, in the gathering darkness, lay the bodies of 
the dead and wounded ; the blue and the gray were mixed. 
The gray, the blue, and the artillerymen, in their red- 
trimmed uniforms, lay side by side, while the blood flowing 
from their wounds mingled together. So night closed upon 
the second of the "seven-days" fight in front of Richmond. 

The Fifth Corps had for hours alone withstood the as- 
saults of a rebel force aggregating, towards night, between 
sixty and seventy thousand men ; and, at the close, with 
the aid of the two fresh divisions — Slocum's and French's, 
with the Irish brigade — had caused the armies of Jackson 
and Lee to halt. 

Twenty-two cannon fell into the hands of the enemy, the 
horses having been killed or wounded. Including the two 
supporting divisions, the troops under Porter numbered 
about thirty-three thousand men. 

At the battle of Gaines' Mill the Union loss was: 894 
killed; 3 107 wounded; 2836 missing; total, 6837, or one 
in four engaged. On the Confederate side the loss in killed 
and wounded was much greater than ours. 

The following statement from Comrade Wm. H. Lay, of 
Co. " D," will be of special interest to the friends of the 
killed and wounded in the battle of Gaines' Mill : 

" On the day of the battle, T made a mistake in not keep- 
ing with the regiment when it fell back to the second line. 
I remained to re-load my piece and give the rebs. one more 
shot, before doing so. On going back to the line, which 
had re-formed about ten rods to the rear, and while passing 
a negro cabin, I heard Col. Adams give the order : " The 
27th this way." I turned jin behind the cabin, and was, 



58 ]^KCC)RD OF 27X11 REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

with two others, ordered by the colonel to ^o inside and 
get Henry Frazer, of Co. " H," who was seriously wounded, 
and carry him to the rear. 

While doing so, our whole line fell back — the enemy ad- 
vanced, and we were caught ! This was soon after dark, 
and we were placed in a garden near by, until morning, by 
which time the number of prisoners had greatly increased. 
Soon after daylight, ten or fifteen of us were paroled, and 
detailed as nurses to care for our wounded — about 250 in 
number — the most of whom were scattered over the field 
where they fell. We did not finish gathering them all in 
from the field until Sunday afternoon, the 29th, two days 
after the battle. All the prisoners, except the nurses and 
wounded, were sent to Richmond. 

The suffering of the wounded was intense, as the pangs 
of hunger were added to the pain from their wounds and 
the torture of the amputation table. We were without 
food of any consequence until the 4th day of July, when 
the enemy brought and issued to us flour, bacon, salt, etc. 
The flour we made into dough, and baked it on flat stones, 
placed around a fire built out in the field. This, though 
as heavy as lead, the men eagerly devoured, and seemingly 
could never get enough to satisfy the cravings of their 
hunger. Death came to the relief of many of the boys, 
whose remains we buried after sundown and before sunrise, 
as we were too weak to dig graves under the hot sun. 

The following is a partial list of the 27th boys who died 
there, and were buried by us: Corp. James H. Burlison, of 
Co. " G ;" Eugene Rappel, of Co. " G ;" Henry M. Gould, 
of Co. " G ;" Alexander Miles, of Co. " G." 

I searched among the dead for the bodies of Irwin Burge 
and Ira Frederick, of Co. " D," who were killed during 
the charge, but did not succeed in finding them. They, no 
doubt, were covered, as were the bodies of others scattered 
all over the field, by a burial party of the enemy, which I 
saw at work throwing a little soil over them. 

At the end of eighteen days, all who were left there were 
transferred to the hospital at Savage Station, where we re- 




BATTLE OF GAINES' MILL. 



Morell's Division 






Butterfield's Brigade. 
-Vlartindale's " 
Griffin's " 



McCall's Division 



(iy,G,S. Warren's Brigade. 

c,.i,oo' r>.".,. ;«„ ) ^1 ^- Chapman's " 

bykes Division ^ ,.' , -7. n f < ,> 

/', /, /. tiucnanan s 

\PtoH. Bartlett's 



Artillery Reserve •< „ 



Meade's Brigade. 
Seymour's " 
Reynold's " 
Cavalry. 

Robert.son's Battery. 
Tidball's 



M CLELLAN S DISPATCH. 59 

maincd about two weeks, when the wounded were all placed 
aboard cars and forwarded, via Richmond, to City Point, to 
be paroled. The nurses, after reaching Richmond, were 
confined in Libby Prison. Here two more weeks slowly 
melted away, at the end of which time the occupants of 
old Libby were transferred to Bell Isle, and fed on " fly 
soup," "beef-hair soup," and once a day a morsel of bread 
and meat. Sweeter bread, meat and soup, I never tasted 
before or since (?) 

On the 14th day of September, the seven thousand pris- 
oners, who had been packed in the small space of two acres, 
were released on parole, and escorted by rebel cavalry down 
the James River to Aiken's Landing; were placed on board 
of our transports that were there waiting for us, and were 
once more under the old flag. 

The following is an extract from Gen. McClellan's dis- 
patch to the Secretary of War, dated Savage's Station, 
12:30 A. M., June 28th. 

" I now know the whole histoiy of the day. On this side of the river, 
the riolit l)ank, we repulsed several stron<j; attacks ; on the left bank, our 
men did all that soldiers could accomplish, Init tlie\' were overwhelmed 
by vastly superior numbers, soon after I had brought uiy last reserves into 
action. The loss on both sides is terrible ; I believe it will prove to be 
the most desperate battle of the war. The sad remnants of my men be- 
haved as men ; those battalions who fought most bravely, and suffered 
most, are still in the best order. Mv regulars were superb, and I count 
uj)on what are left to turn another battle, in company with their gallant 
comrades of the volunteers. Had I twent}- thousand, or even ten thou- 
sand, fresh troops to use to-morrow, 1 could take Richmond ! But 1 have 
not a man in reserve, and shall be glad to cover my retreat and save the 
material and the personi\el of the army. If we have lost the day, we have 
yet preserved our honor, and no one need blush for the Army of the 
Potomac." 



6o RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. V. VOLS. 

The following extracts are from the official reports : 

Report of Brigadier-Gen. Henry W. Slocum, command- 
ing First Division. 

(.AMI' Niv\R H.vrrjson's Landini;, Va., I 
July 8, 1862. j 

Sir : — On the 27tli of June last, in obedience to orders received from 
Gen. Franklin, I ordered the brigade coninuinded by Gen. Newton to 
cross Alexander's Bridge, to the left bank of the Chickahominy, to the 
support of (ien. Porter. The order was received at 2 o'clock P. M., and 
the brigade immediately mo\ed, in liglu marching order. At 2:30 i'. M. 
I was ordered to cross at the same point, ■■with the remainder of ni}- division. 
The movement was executed at once, and Gen. Ta3'lor's brigade crossed 
at about 3 i>. m., followed by the brigade of Col. Bartlett. * * * 

Having received no specific directions as to the disposition of the remain- 
ing brigade, under command of Col. Joseph J. Bartlett, of the 27th New 
York, I directed Col. Bartlett to take position on the extreme left of the 
line, near the new road leading through the valley, from Dr. Gaines' house 
to Alexander's Bridge. Oh approaching the point indicated, Col. Bartlett 
found our troops engaged to the right of his position, and immediately 
moved his brigade to their support. He was subsequently ordered to the 
right of the line, to support Gen. Sykes, whose troops, fatigued by the 
long contest of this and the previous day, were nearly overpowered by the 
overwhelming numbers of the eneni}'. Porter's battery (A), of the First 
Massachusetts Artillery, was assigned to the command of Col. Bartlett, 
and remained with his brigade during the day. * * * * 

As to the conduct of the officers and men of my division, I have only 
to say that the division entered the field 8,000 strong, and that the list of 
killed, wounded and missing amounts to 2,021. These lists attest the 
devotion and heroism of officers and men. Notwithstanding this fearful 
loss, all the regiments left the field in good order, and returned to their 
camps in the same compact and orderly manner that marked their march to 
the scene of conlf ict. The brigade commanders. Gens. Newton and Taylor, 
and Col. Bartlett, are each entitled to the greatest praise, not only for 
their heroic conduct on the field, but for their untiring efforts after the 
close of the action, in bringing ofT the wounded, and in maintaining order 
and steadiness amid the prevalent confusion. 

The loss of the di\-ision in officers was particularly severe, not onl\- in 
numbers, but in the character of those killed and wounded. Col. Tucker 



slocum's and dartlett's reports. 6 1 

and Major Rverson, of the Second New Jersey, and Lieut. -Col. Heath, of 
tlie Fiftli Maine, were killed while gallantly discharging theirduty. Their 
loss is deeply felt in their regiments and throughout the division, and will 
be lamented by a wide circle of friends. Col. (iosline and Maj. Huhbs, 
of the Ninet3'-fifth Pennsylvania, and Lieut. -Col. Marsh, of tlie Sixteenth 
New York, were mortally wounded, and lia\e since died. Col. Howland, 
of the Sixteenth New York ; Col. Pratt, of the Thirty-First New York ; 
Col. Jackson, of the Fifth Maine ; Maj. Gardiner, of the Twenty-seventh 
New York ; and Maj. Hatfield, of the First New Jersey, were so severely 
wounded as to be rendered unfit for duty. * * * * 

Of the many other officers of less rank — the non-commissioned officers 
and soldiers — I cannot speak in detail. Like soldiers and like men, they 
performed their duty and met their fate, and a grateful country will long 
bear them, and the thousand nameless heroes of this conflict, who have 
offered up their lives at the nation's shrine, in lasting and honored remem- 
brance. 

H. W. SLOCUM, 

Commanding First Division Sixth Corps. 



Report of Col. Jos. J. Bartlett, Twenty-Seventh New 

York Infantry, Commanding Second Brigade, 

of the Battle of Gaines' Mill. 

H'(,iRs 213 Brigadf,, Gen. Slocum's l)i\ ., (Vin Pkow Army (.'uri's, |I 
H.a.rrison's Landim;, Va., July 7, 1S62. i 

Sir : — At daylight on the 27th of June, I put my command under arms, 
in light marching order, in compliance with orders from Brigadier-Gen. 
H. W. Slocum, commanding division, and moved at 5:30 A. M. to a posi- 
tion near Duane's Bridge. About 10 o'clock a. m. I was ordered to move 
back to camp. While on the march the enemy opened a heavy fire of 
artillerj' upon our lines, and I was once more ordered back to the bridge, 
to prevent any attempted passage by the enemy, who were now threaten- 
ing Gen. Porter's forces on the left bank of the Chickahoininy. 

After partially destroying the bridge, b}' order of Gen. W. B. Franklin, 
commanding Sixth Provisional Arm}' Corps, 1 was relieved by a portion 
of Gen. Brooks' brigade, and marched about 2:30 o'clock, pursuant lo 
orders of Gen. Slocum, to cross Woodbur3-'s Bridge, and hasten to the 
assistance of Gen. Porter's forces, who were at the time being severely 



62 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

pressed. I accordingly reported to Brigadier-Gen. Slocum, on the first 
hill rising above the river on its left bank, about 4 o'clock p. M., and was 
ordered by him to proceed to the extreme left and engage an enemy, who 
seemed at that distance to be turning our flank. Nearing the position 
indicated, it was found to be thoroughly protected by Acting Brigadier- 
Gen. Averell's cavaln' and Rush's lancers, and that the enem}' was being 
driven by our infantry through the woods. I discovered, however, that 
our troops were being repulsed in m)' immediate front, and hastened to 
form line of battle to support our hard-pressed lines. The Sixteenth 
New York, which led my brigade, was already formed and moving for- 
ward, when I was ordered by an aid-de-camp of Gen. Porter, command- 
ing, to report with my command on the extreme right of the field, to 
Brigadier-Gen. Sykes, commanding the division of regular infantry, 
which 1 did at about 4:30 p. m., suffering a loss of fifteen killed and 
wounded, by round shot and shell, while making the flank march across 
the whole length of the battle-field from left to right. 

Immediately upon reporting to Gen. Sykes, I was permitted to cover 
my command in a ravine to his rear and right, and allow the men to rest, 
of which they were greatly in need. Capt. Porter's First Massachusetts 
battery reported to me at this juncture for orders, and seeing no chance 
to engage the battery, commanded as it was by an officer whose rare merits 
and brilliant reputation were well known to me, I was obliged to shelter 
it in the ravine in rear of my infantry, which position it kept until an 
enfilading fire from a battery on the extreme left of the enemy's line was 
poured upon it, to which it was impossible to reply from any position 
that could be taken up b}' him. I then ordered it to take position to the 
rear in the second line. 

At 5 o'clock p. M. I was ordered by Gen. Sykes to bring forward my 
men to support the troops on his left and a portion of his own command, 
who were unable longer to withstand the fierce attacks and withering fire 
of the enemy, who were slowly but surely forcing back the right of the 
entire line of battle. At this juncture I ordered forward the Sixteenth 
New York Volunteers, Col. Joseph Howland commanding. From the 
position of the regiment it was necessar)' to change front forward on first 
company under the most terrific fire of musketry, with the shells and 
round shot of two batteries raking over the level plain, making it seem- 
ingly impossible for a line to withstand the fire a single instant. But 
with the calmness and precision of veteran soldiers the movement was 
executed, and the line, giving three cheers, long and loud, rushed on to 
relieve their now routed frierids, led by their noble colonel and myself in 



bartlett's report. 63 

person. The position was gained, and I then ordered up the Ninety-sixth 
Pennsylvania, Col. Cake commanding, to continue my line to the left, 
rhe murderous fire across the plain rendered it almost impossible for 
tlieir gallant colonel, aided by Lieutenant-Col. Prick and Major Martin, 
to form his line of battle ; and I am pained to state that their noble exer- 
tions were not in many instances seconded b)' some of the line officers, 
who lacked that impulsive enthusiasm and cool determination required of 
them under such trying circumstances, and I was forced to lead forvard 
the third regiment in line, the 5th Maine Volunteers, Col. N. 1. Jackson. 
This regiment also changed its front in the most soldierly manner, and 
under the sweeping storm of iron and leaden hail, sent up their battle- 
shout and rushed upon the enemy, forcing back his lines and holding the 
crest of the hill in our front, from which our troops had so recently been 
driven. 

The Twenty-seventh New York \^olunteers, Lieut. -Col. A. D. Adams 
commanding, was now ordered to the front, and after executing the same 
maneuver of changing front under the same scathing fire, charged bayo- 
nets, and giving three ringing cheers rushed at double quick upon the 
enemy, who occupied the left crest of the hill, on which was a dwelling 
and numerous outhouses ; nor did they stand to meet the impetuosit)' of 
their charge, but retreated so precipitately that they left as prisoners in 
our hands two of their officers, who were vainly endeavoring to make 
them stand their ground. Thus the left and right of my line of battle 
being retaken and established, and the Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania Volun- 
teers being in line and eager for the fight, I ordered them to the front, 
and most nobly now did thej' respond to the command. No officer or 
man faltered, and their solid and unwavering line pressed forward to 
their position, and completed the front. 

The enemy now hurled his fresh troops in double numbers against my 
line, directing his heaviest fire upon my left, and the Twenty-seventh New 
York Volunteers and Fifth Maine staggered back under the fearful fire ; 
but it was the recoil of the lion to gather new strength to support the un- 
daunted resolution of every breast, and once more every man sprang to 
the front, where they nobly maintained the fight, without giving an inch 
of ground to the enemy, until long after darkness showed the flash of 
every musket, and revealed to the enemy how small a force was holding 
them in check. 

To meet the fire which came from our left. Col. Howland, who held 
the right of my position, changed front forward on tenth company, and 
the line thus established held its position until all firing of musketry had 



64 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

ceased on the field, except that from my own brigade; and not until nearly 
every cartridge had been expended, was the order given to retire behind 
our batteries, which were posted about 600 yards in the rear. 

In retiring, I first withdrew my right regiment in line of battle, then 
the next from the right, holding the two left regiments to protect the 
movements, as I was completel)^ flanked on the left by a brigade of the 
enemy, which he had moved up in the darkness from the woods, and had 
just opened a galling cross-fire upon my left and rear. 

The withdrawal of my brigade was done under my immediate com- 
mand, regiment by regiment, and in as good order as when they were 
taken into the field. 

From the moment my troops were engaged up to 8:30 o'clock p. M. (at 
which hour it was too dark to distinguish an enemy at the distance of fifty 
paces), thev noblv held the position assigned to them, and regretted the 
necessity which compelled them to retire from the field. I formed a new 
line of battle in front of the hosijita! on the second hill from the bridge, 
with the Twenty-seventh and Sixteenth New York, and a part of the Fifth 
Maine, the Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania Yolunteers having, by some unac- 
countablv mistaken order, recrossed the bridge and returned to their camp. 
At 12:30 .\. M. I was ordered to recross the Chickahominy, and repair to 
the camp occupied by the brigade before the battle. 

With manv painful regrets I have to report the loss of five hundred 
othcers and men. It is with sorrow that 1 record the death of Lieutenant- 
fol. W. S. Heath. Fifth Maine Volunteers, who was killed by a rifle-shot 
through the forehead, while gallantly leading his men to the charge. Col. 
N. |. Jackson being wounded in the arm in the first part of the engage- 
ment, the command devolved upon this able, accomplished and devoted 
officer, who fell nobly discharging his duties to his regiment, his State, 
and his country. Lieutenant-Col. Samuel Marsh, Sixteenth New York 
V<jlunteers, was mortally wounded in the neck by a minie ball whilst 
riding in front of his regiment, waving his sword and cheering his men 
on to noble deeds. The service has lost in Lieutenant-Col. Marsh an able 
othcer and a true patriot, and his brother officers a genial companion and 
a noble friend. Lieut. E. T. Ellrich, Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania Volun- 
teers, and Lieut. A. M. Barnard, Sixteenth New York Volunteers, were 
killed while faithfully and fearlessly discharging their duties. 

Were I to direct your attention to the braver}- and efficiency, the cool- 
ness or the intrepidity of any individual oflficer, I fear I should by impli- 
cation wrong the majority of my command. In the reports made to me 
b\- the commanding officers of regiments, none have been more favorably 



bartlett's report. 65 

(iientioned tlian others, wliile all assiiio the same reason for the omission 
of a time-honored practice — that when all were brave, energetic and effi- 
cient, no invidious distinction could be drawn. It is left for me, therefore, 
to mention only those whose modest}' restrained them from recounting 
their own valor and efficiency. 

I would particularly mention Col. Cake, Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania 
Volunteers, who exhibited rare traits of military excellence. Cool, ener- 
getic, fearless and decided, with the assistance of Lieutenant-Col. Prick 
and Major Martin, he has won an enviable name for his regiment, which 
will always be sustained while the command rests in its present hands. 

To Col. Joseph Howland I am indebted for maintaining the extreme 
right of my line ; for nol)ly leading his regiment to the charge, and re- 
taking two guns from the eneni}-. Whatever of noble, moral, physical, 
and manly courage has ever been given by God to man, has fallen to his lot. 
Cheering his men on to victory, he early received a painful wound, but 
with a heroism worthy of the cause he has sacrificed so much to maintain, 
he kept his saddle until the close of the battle, and not till then yielded 
to the painful and exhausted condition to which he had been reduced. 

Col. N. J. Jackson, Fifth Maine Volunteers, was \vounded while lead- 
ing his regiment to the charge on the extreme left of the line. His cool- 
ness and clear, decided tones, kept his regiment like one man mo\'ing 
steadily to the front. In him I lose an aV)le, efficient and manly officer. 

Lieut. -Col. A. D. Adams, commanding the Twenty-seventh New York 
Volunteers, led his regiment in a brave, masterly manner, and maintained 
one of the most important positions of the line, with a full and clear com- 
prehensiveness of the critical position the whole army would be placed in 
were he to falter or give wa}'. He was e\erywhere, encouiaging and di- 
recting his men, and three times during the terril)le fight we were main- 
taining, he closed up and dressed his thin and serried ranks, and finally 
led off from the field a weakened but well-aligned battalion. It is enough 
to say that under his command the Twent\-se\enth has fully sustained its 
former reputation. He was nobly assisted by Major C. C. Gardiner, who 
was early wounded in the action by a shell. 

Major Seaver, Sixteenth New York Volunteers, established a name on 
this occasion of which he may well be prtnid. He was fearless, enthusi- 
astic and efficient, and nobly fills the place made vacant by Col. Howland 
and the lamented Lieutenant-Col. Marsh. 

I cannot close my report without mentioning Lieut. Roiiert P. Wilson, 
my acting assistant adjutant-general, and Lieul. M. E. Richards, my aid- 
de-camp. Both were all that could be expected of educated, brave and 



^6 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

dashing young gentlemen. At no moment of the action were they screened 
from the leaden hail that was showered upon the field. Prcjmjjt and cor- 
rect in promulgating orders, they exposed themselves along the whole 
front, and were unceasing in their endeavors to aid me in every wav. 
1 ask for them your consideration. 

I herewith annex an official report of killed, wounded and missing, in 

mv brigade. 

Very respectfully, 

JOSEPH J. BARTLETT, 

Colonel 27th N. Y. Vols., Commanding 2d Brigade. 

Capt. H. C. Rogers, Act. Assist. Adjutant-General. 



Report of Lieutenant-Col. Alexander D. Adams, Twenty- 
seventh N. Y. Infantry, of the Battle of Gaines' Mill. 

Hdqrs. Twenty-Skvkntii Reciment N. Y. Vols., ji 
In the Field, July 6, 1862. ^ 

Sir :— I have the honor to transmit a report of the action of the Twenty- 
seventh Regiment of New York Volunteers, on Friday', the 27111 ultimo. 
Together with the other regiments composing the brigade, the Twent\- 
seventh moved from camp at an early hour towards Duane's Bridge, for 
the purpose of supporting the divisions of Gen. Porter, then being en- 
gaged with the enemv. About 4 o'clock p. M. the brigade was moved rap- 
idly down to Woodbury's (or Alexander's) Bridge,* where it crossed, and 
turning to the left, was marched toward the left of the field of battle on 
Gaines' Hill. This regiment, being on the left, was first overtaken by an 
aid-de-camp of Gen. Porter, who desired that it might be halted while he 
overtook the head of the column, as Gen. Porter desired that Col. Bart- 
left's brigade should go to the assistance of the right wing. The delay, 
however, was momentary. The head of the column filing almost immedi- 
ately toward the right, the regiment resumed its position and marched 
across in rear of the line of battle, under a heavy fire of artillery and mus- 
ketry, to the position assigned. Here Col. Bartlett, commanding, placed 



*It will be noticed that there is a discrepancy in the reports as to the 
name of the bridge crossed. It seems that when the order came in the 
morning for the division to cross the river, the line started over Wood- 
bury's bridge, but was recalled. The advance to the battle was made 
over Alexander's bridge. 



REPORT OF LIEUTENANT-COL. ADAMS. ^J 

the brigade, formed in close column by division, in a ravine, where the 
men were completeh' covered, and where they were ordered to lie down 
and rest until called into action. 

In about thirty minutes the regiments were called up in succession, 
deployed into line of battle, changed front forward, and thrown across a 
slightly rising level field toward the enemy, under a severe hre. The right 
of the Twenty-seventh was directed upon a house surrounded by outbuild- 
ings and an orchard, from which the enemy were firing. When within 
about fifty yards, and before delivering a shot, at the command, " For- 
ward to the charge !" the line advanced at double-quick, crossed the fence 
in rear of the house, and came up to the front fence, where it encountered 
a destructive fire at close range. The eneni}' did not offer any resistance 
to the charge, and a rapid, steady fire was opened on him, evidently doing 
great execution. At this point two officers were taken prisoners and sent 
to Col. Bartlett. 

A fresh force appearing on the right, the fire of the right wing was 
directed obliquely against it. Soon after, it was represented that we were 
firing on our own men, and not knowing how far the Sixteenth New York, 
whose constant volleys were heard on our right, might have ad\anced, the 
order was given to cease firing, and re-form line of battle on the fence in 
rear before mentioned. 

While this was being coolly executed, the smoke lifted partial!}-, dis- 
closing an apparently fresh line of the enemy in front. The Twenty- 
seventh was at once advanced to its former position, and again opened an 
effective fire. The small luiildings offered a partial cover to a few of the 
men, who were enabled to fire with the utmost precision at a rest. The 
fire of the enemy slackened about dusk for a little, and word was again 
brought that our own brigade had advanced on the right so as to come 
within range of the fire of the Twenty-seventh. These reports coming, as 
before, from officers, induced another order to cease firing, which, how- 
ever, was speedily revoked, as the flashes of the muskets revealed the 
position of the eneni}'. Again the line opened, though the rapidh' gather- 
ing gloom rendered the aim somewhat uncertain. The cessation of the 
firing on the right of the brigade having attracted attention, it was deemed 
advisable to re-form the line— by this time considerabl)- thinned — on the 
fence in rear of the house (about three rods), which offered the nearest ad- 
vantageous position, owing to the location of the various buildings. The 
appearance of a large force (apparently a brigade) on the left, marching as 
if to tiank this brigade, who responded irregularly to the challenge of the 
color-bearer (and who were afterwards ascertained to be the enemy), de- 



68 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

cided the propriety of tliis maneuver. While this was being accomplished, 
Col. Bartlett in person gave the order for the regiment to retire in order. 
On reaching the ravine from which the brigade had advanced, the regiment 
found itself in its proper position, on the left ot the column. 

Early in the action two companies or more of the Fifth Maine Volun- 
teers, with Capt. Edwards at the head, asked permission to join the line 
of the Twenty-seventh, stating that they had become separated from their 
regiment, their colonel and lieutenant-colonel having fallen, and there 
being no mounted officer to direct them. The request was at once granted, 
and they continued with the regiment, iloing most efficient service in gal- 
lant style. 

The conduct of officers and men was admiialile, the former seeming tcj' 
vie with each other in the performance of their duties, and the latter wait- 
ing only the word of command, which insured prompt obedience. The 
temporary confusion caused here and there during the engagement, by the 
nature of the position, the falling of comrades, and more particularl)' by 
the fire of our own batter\' directly in our rear, the shots from which passed 
close over, and in three instances caused trifling injuries to the men, was 
promptly corrected h\ the uniteil efforts of the officers, non-commissioned 
officers and men. 

Instances of individual heroism are not wanting, though perhaps not 
suitalile for this report. 

The list of casnalties, heretofore sent to headquarters, comprises 12 
killed, itS wounded, and 32 missing. 

I am, ver^' respectfulh , 

ALEX. D. ADAMS, 
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. 
Lieutenant Wtt.sdx, 
Act. Assist. Adjutant-Gen. 2d l^rigade, Slocum's Di\'ision. 

Swinton's " Army of the Potomac," page 151, says : 

"And thus it happened that, while on the north side of the Chicka- 
hominv, thirtv thousand Union troops were being assailed Ijy seventy 
thousand Confederates, twenty-five thousand Confederates on the south 
side held in check sixty thousand Union troops ! When therefore, Lee, 
with all his divisions in hand, made a general advance, it was with an 
overwhelming weight and pressure. The right held its ground with much 
stubbornness, repulsing every attack. That wing was held by Sykes' 
division of regulars, and Grifhn's brigade, and was subsequently rein- 
forced bv Bartlett's brigade, of Slocum's division." 



GENERAL MACiRlIDER S REPORT. 09 

Gen. McClellan's entire army was now south of the 
Chickahominy, and all communication had been cut off 
with White House Landing. There were probably nearly, 
if not quite, ninety thousand men for duty in the army 
after the battle of Gaines' Mill ; and with that body of 
troops united south of the river, and the main portion of 
the rebel army on the opposite side, with the bridges de- 
stroyed, the capture of Richmond would seem to have 
been an easy task, had McClellan seen fit to advance upon 
the enemy which remained in the works before Richmond. 

The Confederate Gen. Magruder, in his official report of 
his part in the "Seven-Days'" struggle, says: 

" From the time at which the enemy withdrew his forces to this side of 
the Chickahominy, and destroyed the bridges, to tlie moment of his evac- 
uation — that is, from Friday night until Sunday morning — I considered 
the situation of our army as extreme!}' critical and perilous. The larger 
portion of it was on the opposite side of the Chickahominy, '•' - 

and there were but twent3--five thousand men between his (McClellan's) 
army of one hundred thousand and Richmond." 

While we were in camp at Mechanicsville, in the early- 
part of June, some of the scouts of McDowell's army 
reached our lines with the intelligence, that that army was 
within a few days' march of us, and would soon join us. 
McDowell and Fremont were in the Shenandoah Valley, 
holding Stonewall Jackson in check, and expecting to come 
to our support, and help take Richmond. But on the 25th 
it was learned, through a deserter, that Jackson had eluded 
McDowell and Fremont, and with fifteen brigades, under 
Whiting and Ewell, was on his way to join Lee, and attack 
McClellan. It was Jackson, with these forces, who opened 
the fight on our right, at Gaines' Mill. 

June 28th. On this date w^as inaugurated the famous 
" change of front," or retreat of our army across the penin- 
sula to the James River. The 27th Regiment was called 
out at 5 A. M., in heavy marching order, and moved towards 
the river to support one of our batteries. About 9 o'clock 
we were shelled out by the Confederate batteries on the 
north side of the river, in the vicinity of Porter's position 



'jd RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

of yesterday. We were ordered to fall back about a mile, 
out of range, where we remained till 2 o'clock, when we 
moved down to the river, in the woods, and went on picket 
duty for the night. 

The next morning, the 29th, we joined in the general 
movement to the rear, and ^\'hen we reached Savage's Sta- 
tion, the line was halted and line of battle was formed, 
facing to the rear. After remaining awhile, we moved on, 
and the scenes that met our eyes beggar description. It 
had been found necessary to destroy the Commissary stores 
and Quartermasters' supplies, to prevent their falling int(^ 
the hands of the enemy. There were many smoldering 
piles, and others still burning; and there were deafening 
and incessant reports from the exi)losi()n of shells and am- 
munition among the stores that were being destroyed. 
A train of cars loaded with ammunition, was set on fire, 
and then the engine was started, on a down grade, and it 
made a rapid run for the river; and, the bridge being de- 
stroyed, it plunged in, amid the roar of bursting shells ! 

Here we found the hospitals filled with the wounded 
from tlie battle-field of Gaines' Mill. Scores of mangled 
men lay upon the ground around the hospital tents : their 
wearied, haggard and smoke-begrimed faces, which looked 
up to us, appealed not less strongly than their words, that 
they should not be left to fall into the hands of the enemw 
Capt. Wells, of Co. " C," succeeded in getting control of 
three ambulances, and loaded into them all the wounded 
of his company, and some other wounded men of the regi- 
ment, and these were taken away before the enemy came up. 

Certainly these scenes were more trying to the spirit of 
the soldier than the combats that ensued. The narrow 
roads were choked with the endless trains of artillery, army 
wagons, and ambulances with their sad burdens. 

Truly, " This is a time that tries men's souls." What is 
to become of the wounded who cannot 'oear the jolting and 
swaying of the ambulances? Are the hospital tents, with 
their faithful nurses, to be abandoned to the enemy? It 
may be that the safety of the army demands it. Various 




Capt. C. a. Wells, Co. "C." 



72 RECORD OF 27TII REGIMENT N. V. VOLS. 

arc the reflections of men of diverse temperaments. Now 
we hear from a dust-begrimed veteran, with sleepless eyes, 
an optimist to the core : " I have not the faintest doubt of 
tlie final triumph of our cause, anci I have the firmest faith 
in our commander-in-chief." Then one officer replies to 
another, who asks: "Where are we going?" "To the 
James, to take transports to Fortress Monroe. The 
Southern Confederacy will be recognized within a week." 

We moved on from Savage Station, across White Oak 
Swamp. There was heavy firing in our rear, by the troops 
in and around Savage Station. After crossing the swamp 
we went on picket, and remained all night. Early Monday 
morning, the 30th, we were ordered out to support one of 
our batteries on the right of Charles City road, in a posi- 
tion to prevent the enemy crossing or repairing the bridges, 
which had now been destroyed. A terrific cannonade was 
kept up all day, and we were under fire most of the time, 
but no one was hurt in our regiment, except the adjutant, 
who was knocked off from his horse. 

We held our ground till 2 o'clock A. M. of the ist of July, 
when we moved on till 9 o'clock, at which time we halted 
to breakfast, on our small allowance of rations ; and again, 
at noon, to boil coffee, when we moved on to Malvern Hill, 
and took up a position on the right of the army. Here we 
went into the woods and threw up small breastworks, as we 
were ordered to hold this position, to prevent a flank move- 
ment of the enemy. We remained there till 2 o'clock on 
the morning of the 2d. 

Malvern Hill is an elevated plateau, about a mile and a 
half by three-fourths of a mile in area ; generally cleared of 
timber, and converging roads running over it. It possesses 
great natural advantages. In front are defensible ravines, 
and the ground, sloping towards the north and east, affords 
the artillery a clear range. Towards the northwest the pla- 
teau falls abruptly into a flat, extending to the James River. 
The dwelling which crowns the hill, is a quaint structure 
of the last century, built of red brick, and stands about a 
thousand vards from the river, — commanding a beautiful 



BATTLE OF MALVERN HILL. 73 

view of the river for many miles. It was immediately oc- 
cupied as headquarters of the various corps and divisions; 
and the signal officers took possession of the roof, where 
their parti-colored flags were to be a guide for the artillery 
of the gunboats stationed in Turkey Bend. 

It was an eventful period in the retreat to the James. 
Lee had determined to bag and capture the National army, 
or drive it into the James. The right of our line was made 
as secure as possible by barricading the roads and slashing 
the timber. On the left, it was feared the main attack 
would be made. Porter's corps held the left, with his ar- 
tillery advantageously posted ; while the reserve artillery 
was so disposed that the fire of sixty guns could be concen- 
trated on any point in front or to the left. Ten siege guns 
were planted on the crest of the hill, and all the batteries 
available were ready to deal out their missiles of death. 
Between 9 and 10 A. M. the enemy commenced feeling of 
the left wing. At 2 P. M. a column moved to the right, 
within the skirt of wood in front of Heintzleman, but be- 
yond artillery range, and soon disappeared. About 3 P. M. 
a heavy artillery fire opened on Kearney's left. The in- 
fantry lay upon the ground until the enemy was within 
short range — when they sprang to their feet, and gave 
them a deadly volley I which forced the rebels to retreat 
in disorder. Again all was quiet till 6 o'clock, when brigade 
after brigade, having formed under cover of the woods in 
front of Couch and Porter, started on a run across the open 
plain, and attempted to charge on our batteries; but the 
fire of the artillery and infantry sent them reeling back to 
the woods, leaving the ground covered with their dead and 
wounded. Then came the bayonet charge of our lines, cap- 
turing many prisoners and colors. It would seem that, after 
these repulses, they would abandon the undertaking. Not 
so : again, at 7 P. M., from the dark pine forest, at a double- 
quick, came their yelling hordes once more, determined, if 
possible, to take the position so sternly defended ; but they 
were compelled to retire to the shelter of the ravines, woods 
and swamps, utterly broken. 



74 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N, Y. VOLS. 

Shortly after 9 o'clock the artillery ceased its fire, and 
the Army of the Potomac had again checked the advance 
of the Confederate Army. 

We had plainly won a battle, and still occupied a position 
on and around Malvern Hill, from which, it would seem, 
offensive operations could have been directed against a 
beaten enemy ; but the order came to fall back, and take 
position at Harrison's Landing, on the James River. 

Wednesday, July 2d, at 2 A. M., we started on the march, 
and, though it was short, it was unexampled for mud, slush, 
vexation and misery. Rain fell incessantly. The roads 
were mainly used by the artillery and wagons, and the sol- 
diers were compelled to take their way, generally, through 
the fields and woods. Mud was everywhere, and many lost 
their shoes, and even stockings, in the clayey, dark-brown 
mixture. Many fell out by the way, weakened, as they 
were, by a week's steady marching and maneuvering, and a 
very small allowance of sleep ; while hunger added its 
pangs, to help fill our cup of misery. And yet we can all 
recall the laughter \\hich rang out sometimes at an unlucky 
fall, accompanied by a curse from the victim. 

.So we plodded along till after noon, when we went into 
camp in an immense wheat field — the stalks as high as the 
w aist ; but before night not a green spear or root was dis- 
cernible, as the whole field had become an area of gray 
paste, by the ceaseless tramp of soldiers and horses. We 
drew a scanty supply of rations, a half-gill of whiskey, and 
then lay down and slept soundly till the next morning. 

The familiar sound of cannonading awoke every one early 
on the 3d, and we were called out in heavy marching order. 
We stood along the road all day, as the mud was so deep 
that we could not find a place to sit down. We moved 
about a mile, and went into camp, in a nice field, drew a 
full supply of rations, and felt quite recruited. 

July 4th we moved our camp again, about a mile, cleared 
off the ground, pitched our tents in good order, and found 
ourselves in a pleasant camp, near a supply of good water. 
We then turned in to help celebrate the Natal day. The 



LOSSES IN THE SEVEN DAYS FIGHT. 75 

gunboats and batteries fired a National salute, just to let 
the enemy know that the " Yankees " were still alive. 

The week of battle was over; and, according to McClel- 
lan's reports, "■ The total loss of our army, in the engage- 
ments from the 26th of June to the ist of July, inclusive, 
was 15,849;" that of the Confederate army, 19,749. The 
Confederate losses, in killed and wounded alone, were greater 
than the total losses of the Army of the Potomac, in killed, 
wounded and missing. McClellan says : " No praise can be 
too great for ofificers and men who passed through these 
seven days of battle; enduring fatigue without a murmur; 
successfully meeting and repelling every attack made upon 
them ; always in the right place at the right time ; and 
emerging from the fiery ordeal, a compact army of vet- 
erans, equal to any task that brave and disciplined men 
can be called upon to undertake !" 



Report of Brigadier-Gen. Wm. B. Franklin, commanding Sixth Corps, 

of Operations June 27-July 2, including the Actions at White 

Oak Swamp Bridge, and the Battle of Malvern Hill. 

HKAiJ(^)r.\KTERs Sixth Prov. Akmv Corps, ^ 

Camp near Harrison's Landing, Va., July 17, 1862. ^ 

General : — I have the lienor to make the following report of the action 
of the corps under my command, between June 27th last and the time of 
its arrival at this place : 

On June 26th my command was stationed as follows, viz.: Slocum's 
division was in reserve, encamped on the Courtney Clearing. * * 
On the morning of the 27th of June I was ordered to send Gen. Slocum's 
division to the east side of the Chickahominy, to report to Gen. F. J. Porter. 
After the division was put in motion, and had partly crossed, the order was 
countermanded, and the division returned to camp. The order was reit- 
erated about 2 o'clock, and the division crossed the river by Alexander's 
Bridge, and very soon became severely engaged with the enemy. * * 

On the morning of the 28th of June, finding the enemy in great force 
G 



']6 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

at Garnett's, a new battery in the valley of the river, and a battery of heavy 
guns at Gaines' Hill, I withdrew all the forces to the edge of the wood in- 
closing Golding's farm : Slocum's division on the right of the road, and 
Smith's on the left, connecting with Gen. Sumner's line. We were se- 
verely shelled from all of their batteries, just before the movement com- 
menced, and while it was going on. Just after the movement was com- 
pleted, two Georgia regiments made an attack upon the pickets. They 
were handsomely repulsed, with great loss, with the help of Capt. Mott's 
battery. A colonel, lieutenant-colonel, and about twenty privates were 
taken by our troops. In the morning of the 29th of June, I was ordered 
by the commanding general to move my command as follows, viz.: Slo- 
cum's division to Savage Station, in reserve. * * * Gen. Slocum 
arrived at Savage Station at an early hour, and was directed by the com- 
manding general to cross the White Oak Swamp. * * * 
During the morning of June 30th I posted Gen. Slocum's division on the 
right of the Charles City road, by order of the commanding general. 

About noon I was directed to assume command at the position guard- 
ing the crossing of the swamp, and repaired there at once. I found that 
a terrific cannonade had been opened by the enemj' upon the divisions 
stationed there. * * * 

The enemy kept up the firing during the whole day, and crossed some 
infantry below our position, but he made no very serious attempt to cross 
during the day, and contented himself with the cannonading and the firing 
of his sharpshooters. 

Nightfall having arrived, and the wagons having all disappeared, I took 
the responsibility of moving my command to the James River, by a road 
to the left, which had not been much used, and arrived at headcjuarters 
safely, about daylight. * * * 

On Jul)- 1st, the two divisions of my command were posted toward the 
right of the position near Turkey Creek. They held this position during 
the day and part of the night ; and, in compliance with orders from the 
commanding general, moved to Harrison's Bar. * * * 

Too much praise cannot be given to the officers and men of mv com- 
mand, for the fortitude and courage shown b}^ them in the fatiguing and 
distressing marches made in the interval between June 27th and July 2d. 

In Gen. Smith's division every march was made at night. In Gen. Slo- 
cum's it was nearly as severe. The nervous excitement of being under fire 
every day for nearly a week — often without the opportunity of returning 
the fire — has caused a prostration from which, in many cases, the men 
have not yet recovered. 



franklin's and slocum s reports. tj 

1 tliink that all of the general officers of the two divisions deserve to 
be made major-generals, and I hope that the}^ will be so made. 

Col. Pratt, Col. Bartlett and Col. Matheson deserve to be made briga- 
dier-generals. «**•;:•***« 
I have the honor to be, General, 

Your obedient servant, 

W. B. FRANKLIN. 



Report of Brigadier-General H. W. Slocum. 

HE.\DnUARTERS FiRST DIVISION, SiXTH PrOV. ArMY CORl'S, 

Camp near Harrison's Landing, Va., July lo, 1S62. 

Sir: — I have the honor to submit the following report of the move- 
ments of the division under my command, from the close of the battle of 
Gaines' Mill, on the 27th ult., until its arrival at its present position. 

The division returned from the battle-field at Gaines' Hill at about 
II p. M., leaving on the field, in killed, wounded and missing, one-half of 
its regimental commanders, about one-fourth of the non-commissioned 
officers and soldiers, who had so recently crossed the river to the supporl 
of Gen. Porter. The men, weary with the labors and excitement of the 
day, were allowed but little rest. Early the following morning their camp 
at Courtney's was changed to a position where they could be better shel- 
tered from the fire of the enemy's batteries planted at Garnett's and 
Gaines' Hill. 

The same evening, the 28th, orders were received by me to move the 
division to Savage Station, there to await further orders. The movement 
commenced at 11 p. M., but was deUwed at Trent's Hill, by the passage of 
other troops, so that the division did not arrive at Savage's until about 
5 A. M. on Sunday, the 29th. At this place I received orders from Gen. 
McClellan, in person, to move the division across White Oak Swamp. 
We crossed at 2 p. M., and at 5 P. M. I was ordered to proceed to a point 
on the Long Bridge road, about one and a half miles beyond the swamp. 

" * * The division reached this point at 7 p. M., and fully 

one-half of the effective force was immediately sent out on picket duty for 
the night. 

On the following morning I took position on the Charles City road, 
about one mile from its juncture with the Long Bridge road, and about an 



78 RECORD OF 2'/rH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

equal distance from Brackett's Ford. In anticipaliou of an attack by a 
force said to be approaching on the Charles City road, this road was 
blockaded as thoroughly as possible. Soon after our arrival our line of 
battle was established, and Upton's Battery (D), Second Artillery, and 
Porter's and Hexamer's Volunteer Batteries placed in position. The in- 
fantry necessary to support the artiller}' was posted on the flanks of the 
batteries, and the balance so disposed as to be entirely protected from the 
fire of the enemy's artillery. The bridge near Brackett's Ford was de- 
stroyed by our troops immediate!}^ after our arrival, and an infantry force, 
with one 12-pound howitzer of Hexamer's battery, placed to defend the 
position. At 10 o'clock the enemy appeared at this point, and attempted a 
reconstruction of the bridge, but were repulsed. At 11 a. m. our pickets 
on the Charles Cit)' road were driven in, and the enemy immediately ap- 
peared in force in a large open field in our front, — their position being 
partially screened from our view by a narrow belt of woodland. They 
opened fire from two batteries, which was at once replied to by Porter's 
and Upton's batteries, and two pieces of Hexamer's battery. * * 

The artillery fire was continued by the enemy in our front until nearly 
dark, but our troops were so well covered that we suflFered but few casu- 
alties, our total loss not exceeding twentj^-five in killed and wounded. 

At 7 o'clock it was reported to me that the left of our line, held b}- 
Gen. Heintzelman, was severely pressed ; and the fire of the enemy in our 
front having cpased, I ordered the brigade of Col. Bartlett to move to the 
front and gain possession, if possible, of the field on which the enemy 
first appeared. As soon as his brigade moved down the road leading to 
this position, a strong force of the enemy's infantry appeared, drawn up 
in line a short distance beyond a creek separating our position from that 
held by the enemy. Upton's battery of light i2-pounders was at once 
moved to the front, and a very effective fire of canister opened upon them, 
which caused their well formed lines to disappear. * * * 

The fire on our left was continued until a late hour in the evening, and 
at times the shells, and even musket balls from the enemy, fell in the road 
directly in rear of our position. 

At 9 P. M., having expended nearly all our ammunition, and being des- 
titute of rations, I sent a staff officer to general headquarters to report our 
condition. At 11 P. M., having obtained permission of Gen. Heintzelman, 
I moved the division to Malvern Hill. We arrived at this point at da)- 
light ; and at g a. m., the 2d instant, moved to a position on the right of 
our line. From the time of our arrival, until the commencement of the 
engagement on this day, the men were employed in constructing abatis. 



I 



slocum's report. 79 

;ni(l otlierwise strengthening our position. During the engagement on 
our left, the division was under arms. 

At II p. M., orders were received to move to our present position, 
where we arrived at daylight on the 3d inst. Duriiig this entire week the 
troops zoere allowed scarcely an hour of undisturbed rest, either by night or day; 
yet the division inarched into its present camp in good order, having very feiv 
stragglers, and zuithout the loss of any arms, ammunition, clothing or wagons; 
and with a cheerfulness prevailing among the soldiers, as well as officers, 'which 
to me 7vas as astonishing as it was gratifying. 

Great credit is due to the brigade commanders, Gens. Newton and 
Taylor, and Col. Bartlett, for their vigilance and untiring eftorts on the 
held, as well as on our night marches. 

The}" were constantly with their commands, cheering them by noble 
example, as well as words. 

To the memljers of m}^ staff, Capt. Rogers, Assistant Adjutant-General, 
* * * * and Surgeon Burr, I am greatly indebted. 

They were with me during the entire week, and proved very efficient in 
the discharge of their respective duties. 

I am, sir, very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

H. W. SLOGUM. 



8o RECORD OF 27TII REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 



A Soldier's Letter, and a Woman's Answer. 



llosi'i lAi,, lune. 1862. 

I write with a fjreat deal of pain, dear girl, 

I've not been able before, since the tight ; 
And my brain is still so much in a whirl. 

That I can tell yon imt little to-night. 
I'm wounded — tlon't start ! — 'tis not very bad, 

Or, at least, it might be worse ; so I said. 
When I thought of you, " I'm sure she'll be glad 

To know that I'm only wounded — not dead !" 

I've lost my left arm ! there, now you know all ! 

A minie ball shattered it, and I fell ! 
The last that I heard was our Captain's call. 

Until — the rest is too painful to tell ! 
I've had throughout, the. most excellent care, 

And am doing finely, the Surgeon says; 
So well, indeed, that the prospect is fair 

For a homeward trip, before many days. 

But I've something else, dear Mary, to say — 

And I'd SRy it if it cost me my life — 
I've thought of it well — there's no other way ! 

You're released from your promise to be my wife ' 
You'll think me foolish at first ; then j'ou'll think 

Of the loose, armless coat-sleeve at my side ; 
And your proud and sensitive luarl will shrink 

From the thought of being a cri))ple's iiiide. 

'Tis a bitter struggle to give you up, — 

For I've loved you more than ever of late ! 
But down to its dregs I've drained the cup, 

And am calm, though my heart is desolate. 
I'm coming homCj and, of course, we must meet ; 

My darling, this once, one l)oon I imjdore : 
Let us still be friends— ^for that will be sweet. 

Since now, alas ! we can be nothing more. 



A GENUINE SWEETHEART. 8t 



The Answer. 



Sweet Home, July, 1S62. 

My Robert ! how brave and noble 3'ou are ! 

Too brave and too noble, I know, for me ; 
But you've too little faith in me b}' far. 

If you believe I want to be free. 
I'm not released from my promise — no, no ! 

'Twas never so sacred to me before ; 
If you could but hear how I've longed to go, 

And watch by your side, 3'ou'd doubt mc no more. 

I read your name in the terrible list ! 

But the tears froze back that sprang to my eyes. 
And a fearful pain, that I could not resist. 

Crushed my heart till I only longed to die. 
The blessed tears, by and b}-, came again. 

And I felt, as you in your letter said, 
A feeling of gladness, 'mid all mv pain. 

That Robert was only wounded — not dead ! 

Oh, darling ! to think 5'ou have suffered so, 

And I all these long, weary miles away ; 
You've needed me very often, I know ; 

While I could do nothing but hope and pray. 
But hardest of all is the bitter thought, 

That you have been suffering so much for me ; 
Poor Robert ! your manly letter has brought 

A strange mixture of joy and misery. 

But you are coming home to my arms and heart : 

You're right — I AM proud and sensitive, too ! 
But I am only so when we are apart, 

And now I shall only be proud of you ! 
You're coming home to be happy and rest. 

And I wait the moment of blissful calm. 
When I shall be held to a soldier's breast, 

By a Patriot Hero's one strong arm ! 



82 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

July 5th, we had to go out on picket a mile and a half 
from camp. Three companies were on the outposts, and 
the other seven in reserve. The men in reserve had a nice 
time, for blackberries were plentiful, and were a fine relish 
for the soldiers. We returned from picket at 10 A. M., and we 
\vell remember it as the hottest day we had ever experienced. 
These sandy ridges along the James are said to be the hot- 
test places in all Virginia. In the afternoon we left our 
guns, and took up the spades, picks and shovels, and com- 
menced our share of the work of throwing up entrench- 
ments in front of our lines. This work resulted in a system 
of ponderous barriers, from the old church on Westovcr 
Heights, on the bank of Herring Run, along the position 
of our lines, to the James. It was dig, dig, dig, lift and 
throw, until the bank reached the height of the embrasures 
and platforms for the field pieces. 

July 8th we turned out to welcome the President of the 
United States, who rode, with the Commander-in-Chief and 
his staff, through the principal streets of the vast camp, 
amid the plaudits of the soldiers. We seem yet to see that 
rugged form tow^ering above general and staff, and those 
massive, grand features of our W'ar President, ABRAHAM 
Lincoln. 

F'rom this time till the 17th the regiment was kept busy 
at picket duty and working on the breastworks, when, on 
this date, we moved camp about two miles, and put up our 
tents near the rifle-pits. Here we remained a few days, and 
busied ourselves fixing up camp, digging a well from which 
to supply the camp with water, working on the forts, and 
the usual camp duties. First, at 5 A. M., the bugle notes 
are heard calling us out of our nests for roll-call. It again 
sounds for Surgeon's call ; then for breakfast. At noon it 
sounds for dinner, and at 4 P. M. to fall in for work on the 
fort. Sometimes it sounds at 11 A. M. for inspection, and 
again at i for police duty, — for the camp is kept scrupu- 
lously clean. 

■ The 20th finds us again on picket, and where vve find 
plenty of blackberries, — and the men are happy. The 21st 



MUSTER OUT OF REGIMENTAL BANDS. 8^ 

we drew new clothing. From the 26th to 28th the weather 
A\as terribly hot and sultry. All quiet in camp ; no duty 
except picketing", as we are strongly intrenched for many 
miles. If Lee attempts to make an attack on us here, he 
will become an " angel," and with the angels stand ; but we 
do not think he will be so unwise as to trap himself. 

Each man received sixty rounds of cartridges on the 
29th, as there were indications of an attack. No enemy 
^\•as in sight, however, but we were kept on the alert till 
the evening of the 31st, when the enemy, having placed a 
battery on the opposite side of the James River, shelled our 
camps. We could follow the course of the shells, as the 
burning fuse was discernible in the darkness. The gun- 
boats soon wheeled into line, and silenced the hostile guns. 
j\bout twenty Union soldiers were killed, and forty wounded. 
A large number of horses were also killed. 

On the 3d of August the paymaster arrived, and the men 
were paid off. There was but little duty for the next week 
or more, and the men amused themselves with the games 
incident to pay-day. Weather exceedingly hot, and many 
horses dying from the effects of the heat. 

August 8th, in pursuance of an Act of Congress, and a 
general order from headquarters, the musicians of the regi- 
mental bands assembled at headquarters, and were mustered 
out of service. One band only is hereafter to be allowed 
to a brigade. This order causes a great deal of dissatisfac- 
tion among the troops. 

August loth we sent away our knapsacks and baggage 
on the transports, as orders had been given to move. Did 
not get off, however, till the 14th, when the boys bid good- 
by to Harrison's Landing, and marched about three miles, 
and were again stationed for picket duty, where we remained 
till 4 P. M. of the 15th ; then marched to Charles City Court 
House. 

At sunrise on the i6th we started on a twenty-mile march. 
The day was very hot, and the roads dusty. A portion of 
the country through which we passed was very fine, with 
large mansions, surrounded by extensive plantations. 



84 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

About sundown we crossed the Chickahominy, near where 
it widens out into a bay, at its junction with the James. 
The pontoon bridge on which we crossed was 2200 feet 
long, and said to be the longest and best ever constructed. 
The train of artillery moved in the centre, and two ranks 
of infantry marched on each side. We went into camp 
about a mile from the river. While crossing, a gunboat 
stood guard over the moving column. The next day made 
a very rapid march, at which the men grumbled a good deal, 
as melons and fruit were quite plentiful along the route ; 
but there was no time to indulge, nor even to sample them. 
During the day we passed the house which was the birth- 
place of ex-President Tyler. It was under guard, to pre- 
vent defacement and pillage. At about 3 P. M. we passed 
through Williamsburg, a quaint, moss-covered town, — once 
the centre of the aristocracy of the Old Dominion. Here 
we saw the College of William and Mary, founded during 
the last century ; and had a good view of the fortification 
that, in May, cost us so much to capture. Five miles from 
here we went into camp, having marched twenty-five miles. 
Only a few of the regiment stacked arms, as the day had 
been unusually hot, and the march so rapid that many had 
fallen out by the way, and did not reach camp till after dark. 
Two months before, a conquering and exultant army had 
passed through the historic town of Williamsburg; but 
now we turn back from the city we had confidently ex- 
pected to hold. The next day we made another march of 
fifteen miles, and camped within the fortifications of York- 
town. 

It seems that McClellan wanted to make a stand at Wil- 
liamsburg, and there recruit his forces, and advance again 
on the enemy. This plan was not favored by the Wash- 
ington authorities, and, by their orders, on down the penin- 
sula was heard the tread of the receding columns. 

Reveille at daylight on the 19th, and for the first eight 
miles of our march we passed line after line of the enemy's 
works, which they evacuated at the time of our advance up 
the peninsula. Our men realized, for the first time, the 



LEAVING THE PENINSULA. 85 

-rcat strength of this fortified position, from which, the 
engineers said, the enemy could never have been driven. 
Fort Magruder being one of the most extensive and formi- 
dable works known in modern times. 

At 4 A. M., August 20th, we took up the line of march 
from Yorktown, and started for Newport News, and camped 
three miles below Warwick C. H. In this camp and along 
the route, we feasted on green corn, apples, plums and 
}) caches. 

At 7 A. M., the 2ist, we started on our march, and moved 
nine miles, to Newport News, three companies — B, F, and 
G — acting as rear-guard to pick up stragglers ; and a hard 
day's work they had. From our position here we can see 
the masts of the frigate Cumberland, which was sunk by 
the Confederate ram, Merrimac. 

The next day, the 22d(?), we embarked on the steamer John 
Brooks, and started down the bay. Next morning we found 
ourselves anchored near Fortress Monroe. The movement 
of this large fleet down the bay at night, each vessel carry- 
ing its many-colored signal lights, made a scene of unusual 
grandeur. 

Our next move was up the Potomac, to Aquia Creek, 
where we made a short stay, and then moved on to Alex- 
andria, and about noon of the 24th(?) disembarked and went 
into camp near Fort Ellsworth. August 27th we pushed 
out on picket duty near Avondale ; and, August 28th, 
marched to Fairfax, and then on to Centreville. 

We did not get into the second Bull Run fight in time to 
do any good, only to help check the retreat ; and, after that 
battle, we marched back to Alexandria; and, September 1st, 
went into camp at Fort Lyon. 



86 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

The following letter from Dr. George Burr, Medical Di- 
rector of our Division, to his wife, gives quite fully the part 
taken by our division in the second Bull Run campaign : 

(^AMP NEAR Alexandria, Va., September 4, 1S62. 

My Dear Wn«E ; — For the foini/i time we are back. Alexandria seems 
to be a hard place to keep away from. As I wrote you what we were about 
to do, we marched towards Manassas on Fridajr last. The division en- 
camped for the night about seven miles out, and next morning pushed on. 
A heavy cannonading had commenced, indicating that a severe battle was 
in progress. I did not leave with the division. I had been confined to 
my bed the day before, and though feeling much better in the morning, I 
did not feel able to march, and so remained behind. Staid that night at 
Alexandria, with Dr. Griffin, of Great Bend, who is there employed as 
physician for the railroad men. Saturday morning I felt much better, 
though somewhat weak. The sound of the cannonading, however, with 
the division hastening towards it, made it impossible for me to remain 
behind, for on no account would I have it go into battle without my going 
with it. So I started on foot, and walked seven miles ; got into a sutlers 
wagon and rode seven miles further, to Fairfax Court House ; there found 
that Gen. Slocum was pushing on as rapidly as possible ; so I started to- 
wards Centreville, again on foot ; walked about six miles, when I over- 
look Gen. Slocum. The battle was still going on, and the division pushed 
forward, past Centreville, on towards Bull Run. We arrived within a 
mile of the battle-field about sundown, where the division was halted. 
It soon became evident that our men were falling back. First, a few 
stragglers came along ; then their numbers increased, until the road was 
completely filled with a disorganized mass of men, teams and ambulances. 
There was nothing now to be done but to save a complete rout of the army, 
and this duty devolved upon our division. It was kept in perfect order, 
and the regiments were placed in good positions for defense, and our ar- 
tillery so posted as to command every point from whence the enemy could 
make a charge. 

Col. Bartlett had the post of danger, as well as of honor, for he re- 
mained all night in that position, until the entire army had fallen back, 
and was re-formed at Centreville. 

When I was told we were to go back to Centreville, I retraced m)' steps, 
for I was still on foot, — wear)' enough, I assure )'Ou, and my feet so blis- 
tered that every step caused me much pain. On reaching Centreville, long 
after dark, I could hear only inquiries, "Are there no surgeons?" " No 



SURGEON burr's LETTER. 87 

hospitals?" 1 at length got a piece of candle, and opened the old stone 
church, that was used at the other Bull Run battle, and the poor wounded 
fellows began to turn in at once. The church was soon filled with wounded 
men — some able to walk ; others brought by their comrades. I attended 
to them all night, without ever sitting down, and all the next day likewise. 
In the course of the night other surgeons came in, and also the next day. 
The wounded also kept coming in, especially after daylight Sunday morn- 
ing. We, however, attended to them all, and by night, on Sunday, put 
them on board of ambulances, to be taken to hospitals. I performed one 
amputation of the arm, and two or three fingers ; and cut out perhaps a 
/(■(■/• of balls from different parts. I assure you I was ver}' willing to go 
to bed at night. I had eaten but very little for several da)'s ; Saturda}' 
morning, at Alexandria, I ate only a small piece of dry toast, and drank 
freely of tea. The sutler's wagon had ginger cakes, cheese and dried her- 
rings : of these I ate some. Had nothing else until next day along to- 
wards noon. The Sanitary Commission men brought some bread, cold 
meat, and some kind of cordial, all of which answered a good purpose. 
I am somewhat surprised at my own endurance, for, after resting one 
night, I was as bright, and felt as well as ever the next day, with the ex- 
ception of my sore feet. 

Monday night we were ordered to fall back to Fairfax. So, at evening, 
we packed up, and this time I had a horse. We commenced the march 
about 9 o'clock in the evening, but we were soon blocked b\' teams, and 
the greatest confusion that I ever saw was prevailing. It was rainj', also, 
and everything was gloomy enough. The enemy, we knew, were on our 
left flank, and really we were at their mercy, had they only known our 
situation. Despairing of getting through under several hours, Gen. Slo- 
Lum said we would try and get some rest. So we built a fire bj' the side 
I if the road, spread our India rubber blankets and ponchos, and went to 
■-Uep. At daylight we rode forward, the division having passed us. 

The next da}^ we were ordered back to Alexandria, and a little before 
ilark, reached the camp we left a few days before. We are now in a new 
camp, on the hill, near the seminar}-, on the opposite side from where we 
were last winter. 

Thus ends the campaign. Many will call it a failure. It is true we 
have failed to take Richmond, but we have not been defeated ; and after a 
thorough reorganization, we shall be more powerful than ever. General 
McClellan is again in full command, and he is the only man we seem to 
have as j-et. Had it not been for his arm}% Washington would now be in 
the hands of the rebels, and our cause probabl}' ruined. 



CHAPTKR IV. 

SOON after reaching Alexandria, from the peninsula, Gen, 
McClellan was relieved from the command of the Army 
of the Potomac, and Gen. John Pope was placed at its head. 
The latter was busy marshaling his forces for the disastrous 
battle of second Bull Run, which will be remembered in 
history for the frothy orders of Gen. Pope, that were pre- 
faced with — " Picks and shovels to the rear !" " No more 
lines of retreat !" " Honor is at the front ! — Shame and 
disgrace are at the rear !" These orders, with the jealousy 
of the subordinate ofificers, of which Fitz John Porter was 
made the " scapegoat," have given this campaign a prom- 
inent place in the history of the rebellion. Pope blazed 
forth like a meteor, and disappeared as quickly. McClellan 
was once more placed in command, on September 2d, 
and the first part of September, orders were given to move 
through Maryland, to intercept Lee's army, which, follow- 
ing up the victory at Bull Run, was now attempting to 
transfer the fighting ground from Virginia to the Northern 
States. We remained at Fort Lyon till the evening of the 
5th, when we broke camp and moved towards Washington, 
and crossing the Long Bridge, about midnight, we moved 
slowly through the city, on towards Georgetown ; and about 
daylight, after a fifteen-mile march, camped on Georgetown 
Heights. The following night we made another seven-mile 
march. After this we continued to march every day, pass- 
ing Darnsville, then Sugar Loaf Mountain on the 12th, 



! 




LlEUTENANT-COL. J. H. BODINE. 



i 



BATTLE OF SOUTH MOUNTAIN. 9 1 

w here we saw some dead cavalrymen, who had been killed 
on the skirmish line; then through Paducah, and near 
Frederic, and through Jefferson ; and, on Sunday morning, 
the 14th, arrived at Burketsville, on the east and under the 
shadow of South Mountain, and near to the enemy's lines. 
The 96th Pennsylvania had the lead to-day, and, advancing 
through the village, Col. Cake reported that he had not 
found the enemy. This report not suiting Gen. Slocum, 
he rode up to Gen. Bartlett and said : " General, I want 
you to order my old regiment to move out and find the 
enemy." Gen. Bartlett then rode up to Col. Adams, and 
pointing with his sword, said : " I want you to take your 
regiment and go to the top of that mountain, unless you 
find the enemy !" We were soon ordered forward, and in 
heavy marching order, at double quick, deployed as skir- 
mishers on an open plain, facing the mountain, — the centre 
of the line following the road which crosses the mountain 
at this place, known as Crampton's Pass. As we advanced, 
the enemy opened on us with artillery, stationed half-way 
up the mountain, and with a heavy volley of musketry from 
behind trees and rocks, and a stone wall at the foot of the 
mountain. The skirmishers advanced in splendid line till 
within thirty or forty rods of the wall, when we were or- 
dered to rally, and give place to the line of battle that was 
coming on close behind us. One squad of the pickets took 
shelter in a barn-yard, behind the sheds and outbuildings, 
where they kept up a lively and telling fire till the main line 
came up. Another squad of pickets, not hearing the order 
to rally, found themselves between the two lines of battle, 
and were obliged to lie down, — the bullets cutting up the 
ground all around them. Others joined the main line in 
the charge on the stone wall. As our men went over the 
wall, some of the rebels tried to retreat, and others threw 
down their arms and surrendered. Those on the retreat 
were exposed to our fire from behind, and very few of them 
made their escape. On went our line, up the side of the 
steep mountain, — so steep in many places that the men had 
to pull themselves up by taking hold of the bushes. We 



92 KKCORl) OV 27TII RK(;iMF.NT N. Y. VOLS. 

soon had their second h'ne on the retreat ; and, after an ac- 
tion lasting three liours, drove them over the mountain, 
capturing one piece of artillery, about three hundred pris- 
oners, and three stands of colors, one of which was taken 
by the i6th New York. On this flag was inscribed the fol- 
lowing: "CoiiB Legion — In the Name of the Lord!" 
Our advance was so rapid that some of the sharp-shooters 
had not time to climb down from the trees. During the 
day we could hear heavy cannonading on our right. This 
proved to be another battle on South Mountain, wlicrc 
Gens, l^urnside antl f looker drove the enemy out of Tur- 
ner's Gap, some six miles to the north. Two braver " sol- 
diers' battles" were never fought than these of Crampton's 
I'ass and Turner's Gap, on South Mountain. Our regiment 
lost in this fight, six men killed, two officers and twenty-five 
men wounded ; total, thirty-three. The total loss of the 
division in this battle was 5 officers and 109 men killed, 
16 officers and 3(Si men wounded, and 2 men ca[)turcd. 
Total, 513. 

The following interesting account of this battle is from 
the Century Magazine : 

Upon Franklin's arrival at the foot of the mountain, at 
Burkettsville, at noon of the 14th, he found the enemy 
posted behind a stone wall, while the artillery were on the 
road, well up the heights. About 3 P. M. Bartlett's brigade, 
supported by the brigades of Newton and Torbert, and all 
of Slocum's division, advanced upon the enemy, and a se- 
vere contest ensued. The enemy, overpowered, fell back 
up the hill, firing upon our men from behind rocks and the 
natural defensive positions presented by the ground, until 
they reached their artillery, where they made a more de- 
cided stand. Their riflemen took advantage of every pos- 
sible cover of ledge and rock and tree. * * * 

A Vermont soldier told me that, during this up-hill fight, 
while climbing over a ledge, he slipped and fell eighteen or 
twenty feet, between two rocks. Rapid as had been his 
tumble, upon his arrival he found himself preceded by a 
Confedefate soldier. For an instant they glared angrily at 



A RKHEL AND A YANKEE IN " A FIX. 93 

cacii other, when the " reb." burst out laughing, saying: 
" We're both in a fix ! You can't gobble me, and I can't 
gobble you, till we know which is going to lick. Let's wait 
till the shooting is over, and if your side wins, I'm your 
prisoner; and if we win, you're my prisoner!" The bar- 
gain was made. " But," said my informant, " didn't that 
reb. feel cheap when he found I'd won him!" 

After this fight we remained two days in camp, near the 
tt)p of the mountain, where we buried the dead of both 
armies, and cared ior the wounded. Water was scarce in 
this camj), as it had to be brought in canteens from the foot 
of the mountain, more than a mile away. 

Gen. McClellan, reporting on this battle, says: 

"Slocum's division was formed on the right of the road 
leading through the gap, and Smith's upon the left. A line 
formed of liartlett's and Torbett's brigades, supported by 
Newton, whose activity was conspicuous, advanced steadily 
upon the enemy at a charge on the right. The enemy were 
driven from their position at the foot of the mountain, 
where they were protected by a stone wall, and steadily 
forced back up the slope until they reached the position of 
their battery on the road, well up the mountain. There 
they made a stand, but were soon driven back, retiring their 
artillery in echelon, until, after an action of three hours, 
the crest was gained, and the enemy hastily fled down the 
mountain on the other side." 

.September 17th, heavy cannonaciing commenced at day- 
light, and soon after, we formed our line and moved over 
the west side of the mountain. While descending, we had 
a view of the well cultivated valley lying beneath, with good 
farms and good buildings, the latter resembling more fully 
the farm buildings of the North, rather than those of the 
South, ikit little opportunity, however, was given us to 
take in the beauty spread before us, for we could hear, a 
few miles in front, a continuous roar of cannonading and 
musketry, and we must hurry on to take our part. 

About noon we reached Keedysville, and found many of 
the houses in possession of our surgeons, and fast being 




Dr. WiM. H. Stuart, Assistant-Surgeon. 



ADVANCE TO ANTIETAM. ^5 

filled with our wounded. The streets were almost blocked 
with ambulances, waiting to unload their mangled, suffering 
burdens, while the surgeons and assistants, with coats off 
and sleeves rolled up ; with hands and amputating instru- 
ments covered with blood, looked more like butchers in the 
shambles, than like professional men in hospitals. On we 
went, and, two miles further, we reached the battle-field of 
Antietam, and were placed in line of battle ; then, loading 
our pieces, we moved forward across fields, through bits of 
wood and over fences, continually passing the dead, in blue 
or gray, and meeting stretcher-carriers with wounded, on 
their way to the rear. 

Finally we took position in a cornfield, about the centre 
of our lines, where the heaviest fighting had taken place, 
some t^\•o hours before. The dead lay so thick that we had 
to pull them out of the way to make room for the troops 
to form their lines. This ground had been fought over 
twice before we reached it, each side holding it in turn. 
The corn was trampled to the ground, and some bushes 
that were left standing, were completely riddled with bul- 
lets. Here we formed our line, and remained all day, sup- 
porting some batteries, with one company out as skirmishers. 
We took but little part in the fighting, the most severe of 
w hich seemed to be on our left, by Burnside's corps, at 
Alonocacy Bridge. The bridge had been captured by our 
men during the day, and Gen. Lee, seeing the importance 
of regaining it, hurled brigade after brigade of his best 
troops against it. But it was no use. Burnside, wnth his 
corps, had come there to stay ; and they met every charge 
of the enemy with a counter charge, and advanced till they 
occupied the heights beyond. 

Darkness now settled upon the field, and we unrolled our 
blankets and laid down, behind our stacks of guns, ready to 
"fall in." We were called in line several times during the 
night, by the pickets firing at each other. When, on each 
occasion, quiet was restored, the wearied men would lie 
down among the dead and fall asleep. Thus ended the 
first and i)rincipal day of the Antietam battle ; and although 



96 RECORD 01< 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

we took but little part in the fighting, it was the hardest- 
fought battle of the war, up to this date. 

September i8th we were called in line at daylight, as an 
attack was expected. We remained standing under arms 
till sunrise, when Maj. H. C. Rogers, of Gen. Slocum's staff, 
and some other officers were sent out to meet a flag of truce 
from Gen. Lee, when, after a short parley, it was agreed to 
cease hostilities until 5 P. M., in order to bury the dead, and 
carry off the wounded that lay uncared for between the 
lines. The bodies of the dead, having lain so long exposed 
to the sun, were rapidly decomposing, and the stench was v 
almost unendurable. Many of the men could not eat, and |k 
became sick from breathing the tainted air. The day was 
spent with pick and shovel, digging long trenches, in which 
the dead were buried. In one space of less than half an 
acre, sixty-five members of a South Carolina regiment were 
picked up and buried. The work was not all completed 
when 5 o'clock, the hour for the expiration of the armistice, 
had arrived ; and, without warning, the enemy fired on our 
stretcher-carriers, wounding five and taking seven prisoners. 
After this, Maj. Rogers was once more sent out with a white 
flag, and the time of the armistice was extended until morn- 
ing. The night was passed in comparative quiet, the men 
sleeping till daylight. 

At sunrise our skirmishers advanced, and found that the 
enemy had retreated during the night to the opposite side 
of the Potomac. In this, Lee had outwitted McClellan, 
taking advantage of the truce to retreat across the river, 
but leaving his wounded in our hands. 

About noon we received orders to move, and marched j 
across the field, when the stench from the unburied dead 
again sickened some of the men. Guns and equipments 
by the thousand lay scattered about the fields, showing 
with what haste the enemy had retreated. We shortly 
came to the bank of the Potomac and camped, but Lee's 
army had disappeared over the hills on the Virginia side. 
Thus ended the first attempt of Lee to carry the war into 
the Northern States. 



A FEAST OF GOOD THINGS. 97 

September 20th, about dark, we started and marched all 
night to Williamsport, Md., where we arrived about noon 
of the 2 1 St. It was thought that the enemy would make 
an attempt to recross the river here ; so we were sent to 
receive them ; but, after two days, we marched back to 
Bakersville, near the field of Antietam, where we camped 
till November. Here the time was spent in camp and picket 
duty. Our picket line was along the Potomac, the regiment 
being on duty near Shaffer's Mill, eight miles above Dam 
No. 4. The rebel pickets were often in sight, on the oppo- 
site side of the river. 

Wednesday, September 24th. — The orders are that we lie 
'' in camp a day or two, so that the boys can wash up their 
clothing, and bathe in the creek. We are having good 
times ; can go out of camp and get anything we want to 
eat — soft bread, pies, and flour from which we make pan- 
cakes, which are a great luxury. 

September 25th. — Are still lying in camp at Bakersville. 
', Nothing of interest is being done in camp. The boys all feel 
I in good spirits, for all they have to do is to go out and get 
I chickens, turkeys and flour, and then make pot-pies for 
( dinner. 

Monday, September 29th. — Still in camp. Nothing of 
! importance doing, only some of the officers are having a 

spree, and raising the generally throughout camp. 

Dress parade as usual, at 6 P. M. 

October 4th. — The army was reviewed by Gen. McClellan 
and President Lincoln. The same day a squad of returned 
1 prisoners, who had been captured at the first Bull Run 
■ battle, returned to camp, and were given a warm reception. 
These men had been held as prisoners more than ten months, 
and had been in parol camp at Annapolis, Md., for some 
months, waiting to be exchanged. All seemed glad to be 
back in camp, and said they were ready again to meet the 
enemy. (For a detailed account of the prison-life of these 
men, see the last chapter.) 

October 5th, the Articles of War were read to the regi- 
ment, for the first time, by Col. Adams; and about the 



98 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

same time, the following general orders, relating to the 
battles of South Mountain and Antietam, were issued: 

General Orders No. 160. 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, I 
Camp near Sharpsburg, Md., Oct. 3, 1S62. i 

The commanding general extends his congratidalions to the army un- 
der his command, for the victories achieved bj' their bravery at the passes 
of the South Mountain, and upon the Antietam Creek. 

The brilliant conduct of Reno's and Hooker's corps, under Burnside, 
at Turner's Gap ; and of Franklin's corps, at Crampton's Pass, in which, 
in the face of an enemy strong in position, and resisting with obstinacy, 
they carried the mountain, and prepared the wa)^ for the advance of the 
army, won for them the admiration of their brethren in arms. 

In the memorable battle of Antietam, we defeated a numerous and 
powerful anliy of the enemy, in an action desperately fought, and remark- 
able for its duration, and for the destruction of life which attended it. 
The obstinate bravery of the troops of Hooker, Mansfield and Sumner ; 
the dashing gallantry of those of Franklin, on the right ; the sturdy valor 
(jf those of Burnside, on the left ; and the vigorous support of Porter and 
Pleasanton, present a brilliant spectacle to our countrj'men, which will 
swell their hearts with pricie and exultation. Fourteen guns, thirt)'-nine 
colors, 15,500 stand of arms, and nearh' 6,000 prisoners taken from the 
enemy, are evidences of the completeness of our triumph. A grateful 
countr)' will thank this noble army for achievements which have rescued 
the loyal States oi the East from the ravages of the invader, and have 
driven him from their borders. 

While rejoicing at the victories which, under God's blessing, have 
crowned our exertions, let us cherish the memory of our brave compan- 
ions who have laid down their lives upon the l)attle-field : Martyrs in 
their country's cause, their names will ever be ensiirined in the hearts of 
the people. 

By command of Major-General McClellan. 

S. WILLIAMS, 
Assistant Adjutant-General. 



FRANKLIN S REPORT. 99 

Report of Major-Gen. William B. Franklin, U. S. Army, 

Commanding 6th Army Corps, of the Battles 

of Crampton's Pass and Antietam. 

Headquarters Sixth Army Corps, ) 

Camp near Bakersville, Md., Sept. 3, 1862. i 

General : — I have the honor to submit the following report of opera- 
tions of the corps under my command, in the battle of the 14th instant, at 
Crampton's Pass. In compliance with instructions of the commanding 
general, the corps advanced, on the morning of the 14th instant, from a 
point three miles east of JefTerson, in the direction of the Blue Ridge. 
At Jefferson a halt was ordered, to afford Gen. Couch an opportunity of 
coming up. After a short delay, upon learning that this division was still 
some distance in the reai, I advanced to the vicinity of the village of Bur- 
kettsville. Upon ascertaining that the pass over the mountains at this 
point — which I was directed to secure and hold — was occupied by the en- 
emy in force, I caused immediate preparations to be made for an attack. 
The enemy was strongly posted on both sides of the road, which makes a 
steep ascent through a narrow defile, wooded on botji sides, and affording 
great advantages of cover and position. Their advance was posted near 
the V:>ase of the mountain, in the rear of a stone wall, stretching to the 
right of the road at a point where the ascent is gradual, and for the most 
jjart over open fields. Eight guns had been stationed on the road, and at 
points on the sides and the summit of the mountain, to the left of the pass. 

It was evident that the position could be carried only by an infantry 
charge. Accordingly I directed Major-Gen. Slocum to advance his di- 
vision through the village of Burkettsville, and commence the attack upon 
the right. Woolcott's First Maryland Battery was stationed on the left, 
and t(j the rear of the village, and maintained a stead}" fire on the positions 
of the enemy until they were assailed and carried by our troops. Smith's 
division was placed in reserve on the east side of the village, and held in 
readiness to co-operate with Gen. Slocum, or support his attack, as occa- 
sion might require. Capt. Ayres' batteiy, of this division, was posted on 
a commanding ground to the left of the reserves, and kept up an uninter- 
rupted fire on the principal battery of the enemy until the latter was driven 
from its position. 

The advance of Gen. Slocum was made with admirable steadiness, 
through a well-directed fire from the batteries on the mountain, the brig- 
ade of Col. Bartlett taking the lead, followed, at proper intervals, by the 



lOO RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

brigades of Gen. Newton and Col. Torbert. Upon fully determining the 
enemy's position, the skirmishers were withdrawn, and Col. Bartlett's 
brigade became engaged along his entire line. He maintained his grcnind 
steadil}' under a severe fire, for some time under a manifest disadvantage, 
until reinforced by two regiments of Gen. Newton's brigade upon his 
right, and the brigade of Col. Torbert and the two remaining regiments 
of Newton's on his left. The line of battle thus formed, an immediate 
charge was ordered, and most gallantly executed. The men swept for- 
ward, with a cheer, over the stone wall, dislodging the enemy, and pursu-- 
ing him up the mountain-side to the crest of the hill, and down the oppo- 
site slope. This single charge, sustained as it was over a great distance, 
and on a rough ascent of unusual steepness, was decisive. The enemy 
was driven in the utmost confusion from a position of strength, and al- 
lowed no opportunity for even an attempt to rally, until the pass was 
cleared, and in the possession of our troops. * * * 

The victor}' was complete, and its achievement followed so rapidly 
upon the first attack, that the enemy's reserves, although [nished forward 
at the double-quick, arrived but m time to participate in the flight, and 
add confusion to the rout. 

Four hundred prisoners, from seventeen different organizations, seven 
hundred stand of arms, one piece of artillery, and three stand of colors 
were captured, while numberless articles of equipment, knapsacks, haver- 
sacks, blankets, etc., were abandoned by the enemy in their flight. 

The gallantr}' of the officers, and the spirit and dash displayed by the 
troops, are worthy of the highest praise ; and 1 respectfully call attention 
to the recommendations made in the accompanying reports of Major-Gen. 
Slocum and the commanders of brigades, and solicit for them the favor- 
able notice of the commanding general. I also respectfully refer to the 
reports in question for a uetailed account of the operations of the respec- 
tive brigades, and for the names of such officers as have won honorable 
mention for their gallant bearing in the field. While full)- concurring in 
the recommendation offered in behalf of Cols. Bartlett, and Torbert, who 
have certainly earned promotion on this and other occasions, I respect- 
fully and earnestly request that Brigadier-CJen. Newton may be promoted 
to the rank of major-general, for his conspicuous gallantry and important 
services during the entire engagement. 

The prompt and energetic action of Dr. White, the medical director of 
the corps ; of Dr. Bradley, his assistant ; and of the medical staff of the 
different organizations engaged in bringing oif and caring for the wounded, 
is worthy of the highest praise. 



SLOCUM S REPORT. tOI 

Our total loss, in killed and wounded, is 530. Of tliese, 16 are officers, 
5 of whom were killed. The total loss, killed, was no ; v/ounded, 420. 

The losses of the enemy are not accurately known. We buried 150 of 
their dead, and took charge of more than 300 of their wounded, who were 
left upon the field. 

1 am. General, very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

W. B. FRANKLIN, 
Major-General, Commanding Sixth Corps. 



Report of Major-Gen. Henry W. Slocum, U. S. Army, 

Commanding the First Division, of the 

Battle of Crampton's Pass. 

Headquarters First Division, Sixth Cori's, ) 
^ Camp in the Field, Sept. 24, 1S62. i 

Sir : — I have the honor of submitting the following report of the action 
of this division in the engagement at Crampton's Pass, on the 14th inst. 
The division encamped, on the night of the 13th, about three miles east of 
jefiferson, on the road leading from Urbana to Jefferson. At daylight on 
the 141)1 instant the division left camp, moved through Jefferson, and at 
12 M. met the pickets of the enemy, near Burkettsville. Col. Bartlett, 
commanding the leading brigade, at once deployed the Ninety-sixth Reg- 
iment Pennsylvania Volunteers as skirmishers, who drove in the enemy's 
pickets, and advanced to the village. The other regiments of the division 
were then advanced to a position about half a mile east of the village, 
where the}- were completel)- concealed from the view of the enemy, and 
covered from the fire of his artillery. Wolcott's First Maryland Battery 
was then advanced to a point to the left of the infantry, and replied to the 
enemy's artiller\', until preparations for the attack of tlie infantry were 
completed. 

At 3 p. M. the column of attack was formed in the following order; 
The Twenty-seventh Regiment New York Volunteers deployed as skir- 
mishers, followed, at a distance of 200 yards, by the Fifth Maine and 
Sixteenth New Y(jrk Volunteers, in lini' of battle ; the brigades of Gen. 
Newton and Col. Torbert followed, each brigade being in two lines, the 



102 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

regiments in line of battle, and the lines 200 3'ards from each other the 
Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, of Bartlett's brigade, which had 
advanced into the village, formed in rear, and joined the column as it ad- 
vanced : the One Hundred and Twenty-iirst New York Volunteers was 
held as a reserve, at the point where the column was formed. As soon as 
the advance began, the enemy opened with a heavy and well directed ar- 
tillery fire ; but the troops advanced steadily, every line in the entire col- 
umn preserving its alignment with as much accuracy as could have been 
expected at a drill 01 review. The line of skirmishers soon drew the fire 
of the enemy's infantr}', which appeared in strc^ng position in rear of a 
stone wall, which afforded them an atlmirable cover. 

The position and strength of the enemy having been ascertained, the 
skirmishers were withdrawn, and Col. Bartlett led the first line to a point 
within 300 yards of the enemy's line. A severe engagement ensued, the 
enemy having greatlv the advantage in position, and being aided by at 
least eight pieces of artilleiy, posted on the side of the mountain. The 
position of this pass and its approaches rendered it evitlent that, in tJu- 
attempt to carry it, reliance was to be placed mainh' upon the infantr\'. 
I hatl, therefore, left all the artillery of the division in rear; but, fearing 
that the stone wall behind which the enemy had taken cover, would prove 
an insurmountable obstacle to the advance of my lines, I at once used 
every effort to bring forward a battery, with the view of driving the enemy 
from his position. But, before the battery was fairl}' in position this ob- 
stacle had been overcome by a most gallant charge of the infantry, and the 
eneni}' were fleeing in confusion up the mountain, closely pursued by 
every regiment of the division, except the one in reserve, each vying with 
the other in the pursuit. 

The enemy made another stand at the crest of the mountain, but was 
speedily dispersed, and pursued through the pass and into the plain below. 
The victory was complete, and resulted not only in the utter rout and dis- 
persion of the forces opposed to us, but in the capture of over 300 pris- 
oners, 3 stand of colors, over 700 stand of arms of the most approved 
pattern i piece of artillery, and a very large number of knapsacks haver- 
sacks, blankets, etc. * * * * * 

Of the gallantry of the officers and men under my command, I cannot 
speak too highly. Although greatly reduced in numbers by losses on the 
peninsula , although fatigued by long marches, and constant service since 
the opening of the spring campaign, each regiment — indeed, every man 
did his whole duty, not reluctantly, but with that eagerness and enthu- 
siasm which rendered success certain. 



SLOCUM S AND BARTLETT S RErORTS. 103 

To attempt to designate any regiment, or any regimental or line officers, 
as being entitled to particular notice, would be an act of injustice to all 
others. I cannot, however, without great injustice omit to call attention 
to the conduct of the brigade commanders, Gen. Newton, Col. Bartlett, 
and Col. Torbert, all of whom led their brigades in the action, and gave 
renewed evidence of their skill and courage. Col. Bartlett, commanding 
the leading brigade, was on this, as on all former occasions, conspicuous 
for his gallantry, and the skill witli which he handled his troops under a 
most galling fire. I sincerely trust that both Col. Bartlett and Col. Torbert, 
commanding their respective brigades, both of whom have given abundant 
proofs of their qualifications for the ]:ositions which they now occupy, as 
brigade commanders, may be rewarded by the promotion they have so well 
earned. 

I append a list of casualties, showing the number of officers killed, 5 ; 
wounded, 16; men killed, 109; wounded, 381. Total killed, 114; wounded, 
397; aggregate loss 511. This list embraces many of the bravest and 
most gallant officers and soldiers of the division, for a more particular 
reference to whom I respectfully refer to the reports of the brigade com- 
manders, which are herewith enclosed. 

I am greatly indebted to the members of my stafl^. Major Rogers, As- 
sistant Adjutant-General ; Lieutenants Guindon and Shannon, Aids-dc- 
Camp : and to Capt. Urquhart, of Col Bartlett's staff, for the zealous 
manner in which their respective duties were discharged. 
I am, sir, very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

H. W. SLOCUM, 
Major-General Volunteers, Commanding. 



Report of Col. Joseph J. Bartlett, Twenty-Seventh N. Y. 

Infantry, Commanding Second Brigade, of 

the Battle of Crampton's Pass. 

Hdqrs. Second Brigade, First Div., Sixth Corps, 
, 1862. 

Major: — I have the honor to submit the following report of the part 
taken by my brigade in the battle of Crampton's Pass, Sunday, September 
14th, 1862 : 



I04 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

My command, after a march of ten miles, arrived opposite the village 
of Hnrkettsvilleand Crampton's Pass about 120'clock m., with tlie Ninety- 
sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Col. Cake commanding, deployed as skir- 
mishers. The enemy's pickets retired from the town, and opened an ar- 
tillery fire from two batteries upon the line of skirmishers. I was ordered 
by Major-Gen. Slocum to halt, until he could mass his troops and arrange 
the plan of the assault, as the appearance of the mountain pass convinced 
all that artillery was of no avail against it, and that nothing but a com- 
bined and vigorous charge of infantry would carry the mountain. 

It being decided that the attack should be made on the right and Hank 
of the road leading over the mountain, I was ordered to lead the column, 
under cover from artillery fire, and as secretly as possible, to a large field 
near its base, where the column of attack was to be formed, each brigade 
in two lines, at 200 paces in rear. 

About 4 o'clock 1'. M. I ordered forward the Twenty seventh New York 
Volunteers, Lieutenant-Col. A. D. Adams commanding, to deploy as skir- 
mishers; and upon their placing the interval ordered between the column 
of attack and their line, I advanced at quick time the Fifth Maine V^olun- 
teers, Col. A. J. Jackson commanding ; and Si.Ktecnth New York Volun- 
teers, Lieutenant-Col. J. J. Seaver commanding. My line of skirmishers 
found the enemy at the base of the mountain, safely lodged behind a strong 
stone wall. Their entire line, being now developed, exhibited a large force. 
M)' first line advanced rapidly and steadily to the front, under a severe fire 
of artiller)' from the heights above, and musketry from behind the wall and 
the trees on the slope above it. tialting behind a rail fence, about 300 
yards from the enem\-, the skirmishers were withdrawn, and the lialtle 
commenced. 

B}' some unexplained and unaccountable mistake, more than 1,000 
yards intervened between the head of the column of Gen. Newton's brig- 
ade and mv own line ; and nothing but the most undaunted courage and 
steadiness on the part of the two regiments forming ni}' line, maintained 
the fight until the arrival of the rest of the attacking column. On their 
arrival, the Thirty-second New York Volunteers, Col. Matheson com- 
manding ; and the Eighteenth New York X'olunteers, Lieutenant-Col. 
Myers commanding, were sent to report to me, by order of Gen. Newton, 
commanding Third Brigade. The Fifth Maine and Sixteenth New York 
Volunteers having expended their ammunition, I reiie\etl tiiem, and 
formed them twenty paces in rear. 

The New Jersey brigade. Col. Torbert commanding, now arrived on 
the left of the line, and commenced firing by its first line ; and the Ninet\ - 



rartlett's report. 105 

sixtli Pennsylvania Volunteers having joined my command, and been 
positioned by me on the extreme riglit, it became apparent to all that 
nothing but a united charge wonld dislodge the enemy and win the battle. 
A moment's consultation with Col. Torbert decided us to make the charge 
immediate!}', at a double quick ; and the order was passed along the line, 
to "cease firing," and the command given to "charge!" and our whole 
line advanced with cheers, rr.shing over the intervening space, to the stone 
wall, and routing the enemy. The charge was maintained to the top of 
the mountain, up an almost perpendicular steep, over rocks and ledges, 
through the underbrush and timber, until the crest, overlooking the valley 
beyond, was gained. The victory was decisive and complete, the routed 
enemy leaving arms, ammunition, knapsacks, haversacks and blankets, 
in heaps by the roadside. 

The great natural strength of the enemy's position, supported b)' his 
well-served batteries, made it absolutely necessar}' that the first attempt 
should be successful, or great confusion and slaughter must ensue. The 
success was full}' and clearly established by the masterly arrangement of 
the column of attack by Major-Gen. Slocum ; and circumstances seemed 
to have been controlled by some master hand, to enable us to carry out 
the clear instructions received before the assault. All orders were carried 
out in detail. No more and no less was done than to execute the plan, 
during the fiercely contested assault, which was so clearly expressed in 
the bix'ouac. 

I have the honor of reporting the capture of one battle-flag, by the Six- 
teenth New York Volunteers. 

The action of my own regiments, and of the Thirt}--second and Eigh- 
teenth New York Volunteers, who were under my command, recommend 
them to the highest consideration of their general officers. There were 
no officers, field or line, who did not distinguish themselves upon this 
occasion ; and the highest praise should be awarded the soldiers under 
their command. 

It is with sorrow I have to report the death of Major Martin, Ninety- 
sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, who fell gallantly leading his wing of the 
regiment to the charge. 

My warmest thanks are due to the brave, able and gallant assistance 
rendered me on this, as on all former occasions, by Lieut. R. P. Wilson, 
acting Assistant Adjutant-General, and Lieut. M. E. Richards, acting 
Aid-de-camp. 

Among the surgeons of the several regiments, Surg. N. S. Barnes, 
Twenty-seventh New York Volunteers, I wish particularly to mention for 



Io6 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

gallaiUiy in following his regiment into battle, and establishing his field 
hospital close to the scene of action, thereby rendering immediate and 
valuable assistance to the wounded. 

JOS. J. BARTLETT, 
Colonel, Commanding Brigade. 



Report of Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander D. Adams, 

Twenty-seventh New York Infantry, of the 

Battle of Crampton's Pass. 

Hdqrs. 27TH N. Y. Vols. — Ix the Fiki.I), near | 
WiLiJ.\MsroRT, Md., Sept. 23, 1862. I 

Lieutenant: — I have the honor to submit the following report of the 
part taken by this regiment in the action of Crampton's Pass, September 
14th, 1862 : 

On leaving Jefferson, the Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania was sent out in 
advance, as skirmishers; and, soon after, the Si.Kteenth New York was 
assigned to support a battery ; so that the Twenty-seventh had the advance 
on approaching the pass. The presence of the enemy having been dis- 
covered, the brigade was drawn into a ravine, in (olnmn by battalion, to 
avoid his artillery, and to prepare for storming the gap. Shortly after, the 
Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania having been recalled and i)l:iced in the column, 
the brigade moved, under cover as far as practicable, toward the pass, and 
at 3:30 the Twenty-seventh — still leading the column — was ordered by 
Col. Bartlett, commanding brigade, to deploy as skirmishers, advance on 
the pass, and develop the enemy's position, — the center of the line, which 
was at least a mile long, being directed a little to the right of the pass. 
Almost as soon as the deployment was completed, and the flank companies 
had been thrown forward a little, bringing the line into the form of an arc, 
the skirmishers became briskl}' engaged, simultaneously on the right and 
left, with a superior force of the enemy, posted at the base of the moun- 
tain, behind stone fences and houses. 

The firing at once became general along the whole line, and was verv 
rapid, and at close range. In ten or fifteen minutes the first line of attack 
of this brigade had advanced to the left of the center of the line of skir- 
mishers, and opened a fierce fire on the enemy in the woods in front. 
After considerable interval, the musketry continuing fiercely, the Second 



ADAMS REPORT. I07 

Brigade, in coliiinii, Gen. Newton's, having been brought u|^ to support 
the attack, and the skirmishers, as well as the first line of Col. Bartlctt's 
brigade, having expended their ammunition, the colonel commanding 
directed that the skirmishers should retire and rally on the center, for the 
purpose of re-forming the regiment. This was done in good order, though, 
owing to the extent of the line, it necessarily occupied some time, — the 
charge which carried the pass being made when but three or four compa- 
nies had formed. As soon as the flank companies had come in, the regi- 
ment was placed in the position previously indicated by Gen. Bartlctt, 
where it remained until the next morning. The action had terminated in 
the total rout of the enemy before this position was taken up. 

The conduct of this command, during the entire engagement, was most 
admirable. Though exposed to the fire of the enemy's artillery, while 
advancing over the open fields, there was no faltering or hesitation, and 
the severe musketry fire of the enemj"^ was returned with the cool deliber- 
ation and steady aim of experienced marksmen. 

It is reported by prisoners, that the manner and steadiness of the ad- 
vance convinced the enemy that he had not raw troops to deal with. The 
great extent of the line rendered the transmission of orders difficult, and 
I am greatly indebted to Major Bodine and Adjutant Thompson, for the 
aid which maintained the proper disposition and unbroken continuity of 
the line. All the officers, save one, maintained and added to the reputa- 
tion the}' had won in the previous history of the Twenty-seventh. 

it would not be proper to conclude this report without mentioning the 
efficient conduct of Surgeon Barnes, of this regiment, whose hospital was 
established nearest to the field, and who was the first surgeon to visit the 
wounded, collected in the houses at the foot of the mountain, and on the 
field after the action was over. 

The casualties are : 6 killed, and 27 wounded ; among the latter are 
Licuts. Seely and Christman, and Color-bearer Sergt. McMahon. 
I am, sir, very respectfully, 

ALEXANDER D. ADAMS, 

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. 



I08 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS, 

Report of Major-Gen. Wm. B. Franklin, U. S. Army, 
Commanding Sixth Corps, of the Battle of Antietam. 

Hdqrs. Sixth Army Corps — Camp near Bakersville, Md., ) 
October 7, 1862. ( 

General: — I have the honor to make the following report of the oper- 
ations of this corps, under my command, in the battle of Antietam, on 
the 17th ultimo : 

For the preceding two days I had been encamped in rear of Rohrcrs- 
ville, in Pleasant Valley. During the night of the i6th I received orders 
to move towards Keed3'sville, in the morning, with two divisions, and to 
dispatch Gen. Couch's division to occupy Maryland Heights. 

I started at 5:30 a. m. Gen. Smith's division led the column, and its 
head arrived at the field of battle about 11 o'clock. This division was 
ordered to take post in a wood on the left of the stone bridge across the 
Antietam ; and I was directed to place Slocum's division on the right of 
the same bridge. Before the arrival of Slocum's division. Gen. Smith was 
ordered to go to the assistance of Gen. Sumner, forming on his left. He 
at once obeyed this order, and arrived on the field at a most opportune 
moment. His first brigade (Hancock's) formed as the support of two of 
Gen. Sumner's batteries (then severely pressed by the enemy), drove away 
his skirmishers, who had already advanced close to the batteries, and oc- 
cupied some buildings and fences in front of his position. This brigade 
was the means of saving two batteries, and occupied a position during the 
remainder of the action, sometimes under very heavy cannonading. 
******* 

Slocum's division arrived on the field about 11 o'clock. Immediate!}' 
after its arrival, two of his brigades (Newton's and Torbert's) were formed 
in column of attack, to carry the wood in the immediate vicinity of the 
white church The other brigade (Bartlett's) had been ordered by General 
Sumner to keep near his right. As this brigade was to form the reserve 
for the column of attack, I waited until it came up. About the same time 
Gen. Sumner arrived on the spot, and directed the attack to be postponed; 
and the enemy at once proceeded to fill the woods with infantry, and 
planted a battery there, which opened a severe fire upon us. 

Shortl}^ afterwards the commanding general came to the position, and 
decided that it would not be prudent to make the attack, our position on 
the right being considerably in advance of what it had been in the morn- 
ing. This division therefore held its place until it was finally removed. 



REPORTS OF FRANKLIN AND SLOCUM. IO9 

on the igth. On two occasions, during th^ afternoon of the 17th, the en- 
emy opened upon us from the wood with artillery fire. In each case their 
fire was soon silenced, and, it appeared from an examination of the ground 
afterward, with heavy loss of artillery and men. 

In this position, suffering severe cannonading at intervals, which the)' 
bore like the veterans the}' are, my command remained without change 
until daylight on the 19th, when a general advance was made by the pick- 
ets, under orders from headquarters. This advance revealed the fact that 
the enemy had retreated during the night. 

The batteries of the corps, under command of Capt. Ayres and Lieut. 

Upton were splendidly served, and did excellent execution. 

******* 
My staff were very efficient, and liehaved well. Without any previous 
knowledge of the field, and with a large extent of ground covered by my 
command, its duties Avere arduous in the extreme. * * * 

1 am, General, very respectfull)'. 

Your obedient servant, 

W. B. FRANKLIN, 
' Major-Cieneral, Commanding. 



Report of Major-General Henry W. Slocum, U. S. Army. Command- 
ing First Division, of the Battle of Antietam. 

IIogRs. First Division Sixth Corps, ^ 
Camp ne.-vr B.^kersville, September 26, 1862. \ 

Sir : — I have the honor to report that, early on the morning of the 17th 
instant, the division under my command left Crampton's Pass to join the 
main army, then already engaged with the enemy, near Sharpsburg. We 
reached the battlefield about 12 m., and immediately took position in front 
of the white church, on the Hagerstown and Sharpsburg turnpike, reliev- 
ing a part of Gen. Sumner's corps. Our infantry, though not actively en- 
gaged, were exposed to a heav}' artillery fire from the enemy until sun- 
down, and are entitled to great credit for their gallantry under a severe 
fire, which they were unable to return. The artillerj' of the division, un- 
der command of First Lieut. Emory Upton, Fifth U. S. Artillery, was well 
served, and did good execution. The batteries of Capt. Hexamer, First 
New Jersey Volunteer Artillery; Capt. Wolcott, First Maryland Volunteer 
Artillery ; and Lieut. Williston, Battery D, Second U. S. Artillery, were 



I lO RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N, Y. VOLS. 

all engaged, and their fire proved verj"^ accurate and effective, twice silem - 
ing tlie enemy's guns, and holding in check a large force of his infantry. 
The officers and men of the division lay or rested upon their arms in line 
of battle for over forty hours, without leaving their position, and deser\( 
great credit for their fortitude displayed on that occasion. 

I append a list of casualties, showing a loss of 5 men killed, 2 officers 
and 56 men wounded, and 2 men missing ; making a total loss of 65. 
I am, sir, very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

H. W. SLOCUM, 
Major-General Volunteers, Commanding. 

On October 22d our knapsacks that were sent off at 
Harrison's Landing, on the iith of August, were returned 
to us, many of them having been pillaged of their valu- 
ables, 

October 31st we were called at 3 A. M., and after making 
coffee, fell in line and started on the march, taking the 
road to the left of Antietam, through Keedysville, and 
after a pleasant march of about ten miles, we camped near 
Crampton's Pass, on the opposite side of the mountain 
from where the fight took place. 

September 14th we crossed the mountain, passing over 
the battle-field and to the right of Burketsville, where we 
halted a few minutes ; and while here several of our 
wounded that were left at the village on the day of the 
fight came to see us. We continued our march through 
Maryland two days more, then crossed the Potomac on a 
pontoon bridge at Berlin. This brought us into Loudon 
county, Va., and our march is to continue up Loudon Val- 
ley, which is a continuation of Pleasant Valley in Mary- 
land. Every day there was more or less cannonading in 
front, as our troops came up with the rear guard of the 
enemy. 

November 4th the regiment was rear guard, and while 
waiting for the lines to pass us, a vote w^as taken to see 
how the men stood for Governor of New York. Wads- 
worth received twenty-three majority in the regiment, 
Company " D " giving only one vote against him. 



GENERAL M'CLELLAN REMOVED. Ill 

The 6th and 7th we stayed in camp at White Plains, on 
account of a severe snow storm. The next day we came 
to Thoroughfare Gap, when the officers, seeing smoke on 
the opposite side of the mountain, thought it came from the 
camp of the enemy. A battery was hastily put in position, 
our lines of battle formed and skirmishers sent to the front, 
who soon returned and reported that Gen. Siegel was on 
the other side with some twelve thousand men. We con- 
tinued our line of march and at night camped at New 
Baltimore. The next day, the loth. Gen. McClellan, hav- 
ing been removed from the command, rode through the 
camp, taking leave of the army. He was accompanied by 
General Burnside, who assumes command. The men were 
wild with excitement. They threw their hats into the 
air and cheered their old commander as long as his es- 
cort was in sight. The rank and file are very much dis- 
satisfied with his removal, as the soldiers have always idol- 
ized him. The next day one soldier writes in his diary: 
" Here we are still in this miserable old camp. There is 
much excitement among the men. We are growing uneasy 
as dogs, and hardly know how to content ourselves, on 
account of the change in commanders. The troops are all 
discouraged and don't care whether the Union is saved or 
not." The soldiers at this time did not realize what Gen. 
McClellan might have done after the battle of Antietam, by 
following up the enemy more rapidly. 

The following is the order relieving Gen. McClellan : 

Washington, Nov. 5, 1862. 

By direction of the President of the United States, it is ordered that 
Major-Gen. McClellan be relieved from the command of the Army of the 
Potomac, and that Major-Gen. Burnside take command of that army. 
By order of the Secretary of War. 

E. D. TOWNSEND, 

Assistant Adjutant-General , 



112 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

McClellan's Farewell Address. 

Hdqks. Army ok the Potomac, ) 

Camp near Rectortown, Va., Nov. 7, 1862. i 
Officers and Soldiers of the A rmy of the Potomac : 

An order of the President devolves upon Major-Gen. Burnsidc the 
command of this army. In parting from 3011, I cannot express the love 
and gratitude I bear to you. As an army, 3'ou iiave grown up under 
my care. In you I have never found doubt or coldness. The battles you 
have fought under my command, will proudly live in our nation's histor)-. 
The glory you have achieved, our mutual perils and fatigues, the graves 
of our comrades fallen in battle and by disease, the broken forms of 
those whom wounds and sickness have disabled — the strongest associa- 
tions which can exist among men — unite us still by an indissoluble tie. 

We shall ever be comrades in supporting the constitution of our coun- 
try and the nationality of its people. 

GEO. B. McCLELLAN, 

Major-General United States Army. 

Gen. Btirn.side's ofder assuming" command of the Army 
of the Potomac was now prepared, and read as follows : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, ) 
Warrentovvn, Va., Nov. 9, 1862. j 
General Order No. /. 

In accordance with General Orders No. 182, issued by the President of 
the United States, I hereby assume command of the Army of the Potomac; 
and the exercise of my every energy in the direction of this army, aided 
by the full and hearty co-operation of its officers and men, will, I hope, 
under the blessing of God, ensure its success. 

Having been a sharer of the privations, and a witness of the bravery of 
the old Army of the Potomac in the Maryland campaign, and fidly iden- 
tified in the feelingsof respect and esteem for Gen. McClellan, entertained 
through a long and most friendly association with him, I feel that it is not 
as a stranger that I assume this command. To the Ninth Corps, so long 
and intimately associated with me, I need say nothing : our histories are 
identical. With diffidence for mj'self, but with a proud confidence in the 
unswerving loyalty and determination of the gallant army now entrusted 
to my care, I accept its control with the steadfast assurance that the just 

cause must prevail. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major-General, Commanding. 



GOOD REASON FOR DISOBEYING ORDERS. II3 

Burnside halted here several days around Warrenton, 
and reorganized the army upon a novel plan. The six 
army corps were consolidated into three grand divisions, 
the right, center, and left, respectively commanded by 
Gens. Sumner, Hooker, and Franklin. The Sixth Corps 
now formed a part of the left grand division, and was com- 
manded by Gen. W. F. ("Baldy") Smith. The first divis- 
ion, to which our regiment had always been attachedj was 
now commanded by Gen. Brooks, a stern disciplinarian and 
an able soldier, Gen. Slocum having succeeded to the com- 
mand of the Twelfth Corps. 

(3n this march the matter of supplies was a vital one 
to us. The supply trains were often delayed, and yet the 
strictest rules had been issued that the country through 
which the army passed should be " protected." No plun- 
dering was allq^'/ed. But it was a hard thing to restrain 
hungry men from occasionally helping themselves to any 

good thing they could find. One day Corp. , of Co. 

" C." walked into camp and directly past Gen. Brooks' 
headquarters, with a fine sheep swung over his shoulders. 
The General halted him and in a peremptory voice de- 
manded his reasons for disobeying orders. " General," said 
the soldier, " No sheep must try to bite me. If it does, 1 
shall shoot it, orders or no orders," and immediately walked 
on to his tent. It is needless to say that the General that 
day had mutton chops for dinner. 

One day, Col. , of our brigade, calling his orderly, 

asked: "What's that I smell cooking? Has any one 
killed the dog?" "Oh, no sir; it's mutton broth!" 
"How's that? Have the men been robbing any of the 
farmers?" " No, sir ; our men wouldn't do that." "Then, 
where did the mutton come from?" "Well, sir, this 
morning about daybreak, two men of the th regi- 
ment were seen carrying a sheep toward camp. They 
seemed, sir, to have brought it some distance. Two or 
three of our boys slipped on their belts, and, taking their 
muskets, started for the " forgers," who supposing, they 
were about to be arrested by a detail of the provost guard, 



I 



114 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

dropped the sheep and ran. Of course, sir, the boys 
couldn't think of leaving the carcass there, and — and — 
we're to have a mess of mutton broth for dinner." 

I have just finished my dinner, and as some of our men 
could not forage, 1 would like all to know what a good 
soldier's dinner is : Recipe — Take a quart cup and put in 
one spoonful of coffee, one spoonful of sugar, fill to the 
brim with water; put it over a fire of coals and boil; this 
is coffee. 2. Take a frying-pan, cut three slices of fat pork, 
fry to a crisp. 3. Take five " hard-tacks," soak them in 
cold water ten minutes, place them in the pan with your 
pork ; fry ten minutes. Having done this, your dinner is 
ready. Then sit down upon the ground ; take your knife 
(your fingers serve as a fork) and eat heartily. This is 
what ma}^ be called a good ciinner, a cheap one, and the 
recipe should be carefully preserved. 

Sunda}', November 16th, broke camp, and started on the 
march about 7 o'clock. Passed through New Baltimore 
and Greenville, then turned south and marched through 
Catlett's Station, going into camp two miles beyond. The 
day's march was fifteen miles. Here the little gray rabbits 
were very numerous ; they seemed to start up from every 
bush. The men knocked them over with sticks and stones, 
and that night rabbit pot-pie was the favorite dish in camp. 
On this march I congratulated myself on having confis- 
cated a pillow-case full of flour. I carried it on my shoul- 
ders nearly two miles, when one of the battery boys offered 
to relieve me by carrying it to camp on a gun carriage — and 
he did relieve me most effectually, for I have never seen it 
since. After two days more of marching, we went into 
camp near Stafford Court House, where we remained for 
some time. The weather was cold and stormy, and as we 
had only green pine for fires, the men were soon smoked up, 
and became the color of a sugar-cured ham. 

November 27th the regiment was ordered on picket, and 
after a long march they formed the line a few miles from 
Ac[uia Creek. This being Thanksgiving Day in the State 
of New York, the boys are thinking much of home. This 



THANKSGIVING DINNER. II 5 

is the way one man gives his experience, in his diary, next 
morning : 

" Four of us are on post near the forks of a road. We 
are not allowed to have any fires on the post at night, and 
the boys complain bitterly of the cold. We built us a 
shanty of brush and got some hay and made a comfortable 
bed. It was a bright moonlight night, and as I passed up 
and. down my lonely beat, 1 had pleasant thoughts of 
home and often wished I could have a share of the good 
things from the home Thanksgiving table ; for our rations 
were very short and I had only a small piece of boiled 
beef, with coffee and crackers, and a lot of ripe persim- 
mons, which are very plentiful in this section. But war 
will have an end, and we will return and join our loved ones, 
and share of the good things there." 

The men on reserve, however, fared much better. They 
foraged about the country and had a good supply of chick- 
en, bread, eggs, milk and sweet potatoes. 

Returned from picket duty on the 29th, and remained in 
this camp until December 4th. While in camp at Stafford 
Court House, one of the hospital tents took fire and one 
patient was suffocated. There was one case of small-pox 
while in this camp. The patient was quarantined in a small 
tent at some distance from the camp. 

We marched at daylight on the above date — a long 
march — and camped on the top of a hill, where the wind 
was piercingly cold. W^e gathered some dried grass and 
made as comfortable beds as possible. The next morn- 
ing we removed our tents and put them in a piece of woods 
where it was more sheltered, and made ourselves quite 
comfortable. It began to rain about 9 o'clock, and we did 
not expect to move ; but about noon orders came to pack 
up, and we started back towards Belle Plain, a place that 
we passed yesterday. We had a very hard march of four 
miles. The rain had turned to snow; it was very muddy 
and very cold, and proved to be the most disagreeable 
march we had ever had. They led us out on the open 
plain near the river, where we stacked arms, just at dark. 



Il6 RECORD Ol' 27111 KKCIMEN'I' N. V. VOLS. 

I Ik: sihnv and imid were several inches tleej). lire cold 
wind swept ovr.v llu: j>lain. I lic;re was no wood lor f\vi 
and no place to lie down. Hein^ thorouj^hly soaked, lli* 
men could not stand it; so we left the plains and went 
into the woods on lli< heights, about a iiiik: hack Ironi the 
river. Here we Iniilt huge fires and remained all night, 
drying our clotiies and blankets, and getting but little 
sleep. The weather cleared about midnight, and there was 
an ecli])se of the moon that attracted a great deal ol atten- 
tion. 

The next niormng we retuincd to the plain, took- our 
arms, and went into an old camp near the landing, it 
seems that our brigade: had been detailed and sent here to 
guard tht: landing and unload boats. 

The following day, December 7th, was the coldest day 
we had ever experienced in Virginia. Ice formed in tlu: 
J'otomac so that the boats had great difficulty in landing, 
and some of tiie nu:n crossed the river on the ice. Man\' 
took to tile woods again, and spent their .Sunday around 
the fires, having suffered very much from cold and hunge-r. 
'l"o this day the men well rememl)er their experience at 
Belle I'lain. One soldier, writing to a comrade recently, 
.says: "Whenever 1 hear the wind blowing on some cold 
and snowy day ov night, J shudder and think of iVIU: 
IMain." 

On fatigue duty, unloading boats, during the <Sth and ylh. 
The sutler arrived on the 9th, and put up a big tent, well 
stocked with goods, but refused to sell to the men except 
for casii, and at exorbitant prices. i hat night some of 
the men made a charge upon the establisliment, tore d(j\\ n 
the tent, and seized the goods. Some had an aVmful of to- 
bacco ; others, fine-tooth combs ; s(jme, boxes of sardim-s, 
buckskin gloves, and the various articles usually ke|)t on 
sale. It tocjk half the night to s\va[) round, and get things 
evenly divided. 

The next morning we were made glad by orders to maich 
and join the division. We started at (S o'clock, and while 
on the march, all along the line, men were shouting, " Who'll 



FIRST BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG. 11/ 

swap a right for a left ?" and vice versa. When they ob- 
tained these gloves from the sutler the night before, time 
was too pressing to notice whether all had mates or not. 
After marching five miles w^e went into camp, at White 
Oak Church. 

The roll of the drum summoned the men in line at 5 A.M., 
on the morning of December i ith, 1862. At about 8 o'clock 
we left our camp at White Oak Church, taking up the line 
of march towards the river. Cannonading commenced in 
the direction of Fredericksburg very early, and continued 
very rapidly all day. About noon we reached the Rappa- 
hannock, a short distance below Fredericksburg, and from 
our position on the bluffs, bordering the valley, we had a 
fine view of Fredericksburg and the fortified hills in rear. 
It was a beautiful day, — a warm sunshine and smoky atmo- 
sphere reminding one of a Northern Indian summer. Be- 
low, on the river, the engineers brigade was engaged laying 
the pontoon bridges, subject to the annoying fire of the 
enemy's sharp-shooters, who were plainly seen on the other 
side of the river. 

We were marched down to a level plain near the bank of 
the river, when suddenly all the batteries, which had been 
stationed on high ground a little back from the river, opened 
fire and sent a continuous stream of shells over our heads, 
across the river, into the city, and over the plain below. 
Sixty shells a minute went whizzing through the air, and 
crashing through buildings, while the earth fairly shook be- 
neath the terrific cannonade. The scene was one of awful 
grandeur. A dark column of smoke rose heavenward from 
the doomed city, showing that the explosives were doing- 
effective work. The bombardment continued about an 
hour, when the pontoon bridges in our front were com- 
pleted, and we were ordered to advance. Above, opposite 
the city, the bridges could not be completed till the troops 
had crossed over in boats, and driven the sharp-shooters out 
of the houses. This was done in a most gallant manner by 
the 89th New York, the 19th and 20th Massachusetts, antl 
the 7th Michigan. 



Il8 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

Just at dark the 27th crossed tlie river, following a Rhode 
Island regiment that moved off to the right, while our regi- 
ment moved obhquely to the left, and advanced with the 
steadiness of a dress parade, about a mile, when we found 
ourselves close up to the enemy's lines ; and we could sec 
through the darkness the outlines of moving forms. The 
men all along the line wondered at the mysterious move- 
ment, sending a regiment squarely up to the rebel line, 
with no troops to support us, and a river between us and 
our army. A halt was made and the men lay down, but 
soon a retreat was ordered, in a whisper, and the regiment 
marched back to the river in good order, recrosscd the 
bridge and went into camp for the night. 

While all this was going on, the men of the 89th New- 
York and other troops were holding high carnival in the 
lower part of the city. Houses were entered and articles of 
food seized. Bacon and eggs were plenty. The soldiers 
were determined to enjoy one scjuare meal. They baked 
hot cakes in the kitchen and ate them with sugar and mo- 
la.sses. Mattresses and beds were carried into the streets 
and laid upon the sidewalks for a place to rest. Some 
dressed themselves in the old-fashioned clothes found in 
the houses, and sang to the music of pianos that were also 
taken into the street. A citizen of Fredericksburg remarked 
after the war, that he believed "a Yankee could eat, drink, 
and lie down to sleep in the very jaws of death ; for," said he, 
"on that eventful night when the Confederates were still in 
the city, the Union soldiers acted as though there was no 
one to fight north of Richmond. Why," he added, "it 
was the biggest jamboree Fredericksburg ever saw !" In- 
deed it was a first-class "jamboree," from the time Burn- 
side opened on the town with his artillery. 

December 12th we were called at 4 A. M., and at 8 o'clock 
the troops began to cross the river. Soon after, our regi- 
ment fell in and marched over, taking position first on the 
right, then on the left, and finally moving to the center of 
the line, advanced about a mile. A dense fog shielded our 
movements from the enemy, who were posted on a range 



STORMINC MARY'S HEIGHTS. I I9 

of hills in the form of a half circle, reaching from above 
Fredericksburg southeast, some four miles, while we were 
on a level plain, extending from the river some two miles, 
to the foot of the hills. About 9 o'clock the fog lifted, and 
the enemy opened on us with their batteries from the for- 
tified heights in our front. We were ordered to take shelter 
in a ravine, which protected us from their fire. They con- 
tinued to shell us for about an hour, many of the shells 
bursting right over us, and our batteries occasionally reply- 
ing. At last all became quiet, and as the ravine furnished 
us wood and water, we made ourselves comfortable, and 
leisurely cooked our dinner. 

At 3 P. M. the enemy opened on us again, and this time 
fired pieces of railroad iron, about two feet long, which 
went over our heads, burying themselves in the opposite 
bank, doing us no harm, but making a horrible noise. 
Whenever the discharge of a cannon in the fort was seen, 
the men would cry out, " Lie down ! another blacksmith 
shop is coming !" 

Brisk firing now commenced on our right, — first cannon- 
ading, then musketry. It was our troops charging the 
heights back of Fredericksburg, and, although we could not 
see them, every comrade knew, from the noise, that it was 
desperate fighting. At dark all became quiet, and re- 
mained so all night, but it was so cold we could not sleep. 
The morning of the 13th, cold, foggy and dark, found us 
still in the ravine, and in line of battle before daylight ; 
and, as one soldier writes : " We expect to try our hand to- 
day. God grant to give us success, and take me to Him- 
self, if I am killed. I will trust in Him, and not fear what 
man can do unto me ; and will try and do my duty, and 
fight worthy the cause we are defending." But no orders 
to march were received, and after standing under arms for 
an hour, we were dismissed, and allowed to cook our break- 
fast. About noon our batteries on the right began to shell 
the heights, which brought on an artillery duel, that was 
kept up at intervals all day. There was also heavy mus- 
ketry firing at intervals on our left, and also on the right ; 




Capt. H. SeymuL'k Pierce, Co. " G. 



RECROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK. I2I 

but the only engagement in our front was an advance just 
at dark by the First Jersey brigade, who carried two hnes 
of the enemy's works, but could not hold them, and were 
driven back with heavy loss. After this, all became quiet, 
and we stacked arms for the night. 

Sunday, December 14th, there was more or less picket 
tiring all night, so we got but little rest. The enemy 
opened the ball a little to the left of our position, and soon 
after the firing became fast and furious on the right. Our 
men were making another desperate effort to carry the for- 
tified heights back of Fredericksburg. Twice they reached 
the outer works, but with numbers so reduced that they 
could not carry the works, and had to retreat. About 8 
o'clock we were s^cnt to the front to relieve the 8th Jersey 
regiment on picket, and were ordered close up to the ene- 
my's works, where we lay down and were partially pro- 
tected by a slight rise in the ground, and further protected 
by our knapsacks, which every man set up before him. 
Every head that came up above their line of works would 
receive a volley, and they would answer us with one in 
return. Picket firing was kept up most of the day and 
numbers were killed on both sides, but none of our regi- 
ment were hurt. The rebels finally sent in a flag of truce, 
asking for time to bury their dead, and picket firing ceased. 
Some of our boys went over and shook hands with the 
rebels. One deserter gave himself up to our regiment. 
The weather was very fine and we passed a comfortable 
night, but were not allowed to sleep. Just before daylight 
on Monday, the 15th, we were relieved by the 96th Penn- 
sylvania, when we moved back to the ravine and cooked 
our breakfast. Here we remained quiet all day. There 
was but little firing anywhere along the lines, and at night 
we prepared for a good rest, but at midnight orders came 
to move, and we marched back and crossed the river. 

It was now evident that our army had been defeated 
again. The whole army was safely withdrawn across the 
river during the night. All were much discouraged and 
disheartened. We had learned nothing definite of our loss, 



122 RECORD OF 27TII REGIMENT N, Y. VOLS. 

but imagined that it was very great, and began to fear that 
we should never conquer the rebels. Our regiment went 
into camp on a side-hill a little back from the stream, and 
we lay down to rest. Soon it commenced raining hard 
and continued so till morning, when we arose, wet, hungry, 
and tired, but thankful that our lives were spared and that 
we were not wounded. 

Soon after daylight on the i6th, the enemy having got 
a battery in position, began to shell our camp, as a parting 
salute. This caused us to pack up lively and move back 
out of range, where we put up our tents and had a good 
day's rest. Thus ended the first battle of Fredericksburg, 
under Burnside, that for courage, bravery, and reckless sac- 
rifice of life had not been equaled in any battle of tiie war. 
After dark we were ordered to go on picket on the bank of 
the river, where we relieved the 2d Pennsylvania Reserves, 
who cautioned us not to show ourselves, as the enemy 
would pick off any one at whom they could get a shot. The 
night was very cold, and even the reserves could not sleep. 

At daylight we found the enemy's pickets on the other 
side of the river, and could see that they were carefully 
watching us After a while one of our men, without ex- 
posing himself, called out, " Hello, Johnnie!" The answer 
came back, " Hello, Yank!" "Say, Johnnie, we won't fire 
if you won't !" " All right ; we won't fire unless the ofificer 
of the day comes and orders us to, and then we will fire 
high until you get under cover." 

Taking them at their word, we stepped from behind our 
shelter, when they did the same ; and we all walked down 
close to the shore, where the river was not more than four 
or five rods wide, and opened conversation with the " John- 
nies." We found some of them were the Texans, whom 
we had fought at West Point and Gaines' Mill ; and others 
of the 4th Alabama, whom we had already met four times 
in battle. We invited them to come across the river, and 
have a social time, with the promise that they should return 
without hindrance from us. Soon a boat was found, and 
pushed off from the other side, filled with Texans. On 




^ ^ iir "i 



S 



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Major-Gen. W. B. Franklin. 



T24 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

reaching our side of the river, we cordially shook them by 
the hand, and while some entertained them, others of our 
men took the boat and crossed over to the rebel side, where 
they met with just as friendly a reception. 

We could treat them to coffee, and they in turn gave us 
tobacco. The boat went back and forth all day. We had 
found them brave men in battle, and now found them to 
be more intelligent than the ordinary Southern soldier. 
The men traded knives, pipes, rings and other trinkets, and 
wrote down each other's names, with a promise that if 
either were taken prisoner, the other should do all he could 
for the captive's comfort ; and before the war closed, there 
were several instances where the promise made that day 
was faithfully carried out. Others said, that if we ever met 
in action again, to cry out our number, " 27th New York," 
and they would not fire on us. 

Just before dark we parted, after a general hand-shaking, 
and each one betook himself to his own side of the river, 
ready to shoot at the word of command. Soon after dark 
we were relieved from picket, and moved back to our camp 
in the woods, where we remained till the 19th, when wc 
broke camp, and marched back near White Oak Church, 
where we were very glad to take a rest, having been under 
fire for six days. 

The loss of the Army of the Potomac had been very 
severe. Ofificial returns stated it to be as follows : Gen. 
Hooker, 3,548; Gen. Franklin, 4,679 (of which 1,531 were 
prisoners) ; Gen. Sumner, 5,494 ; Engineers, 50 ; the total 
amounting to 13,771. The enemy's loss was said to be only 
half that number. The Confederate position was strongly 
intrenched from right to left and lavishly supplied with 
artillery, while our own field batteries were worked at a 
great disadvantage. 

Gen. Burnside in his official dispatch to Major-Gen. Hal- 
leck, said : " For the failure in the attack I am responsible, 
as the extreme gallantry, courage and endurance shown by 
them (the officers and soldiers) were never exceeded and 
would have carried the points had it been possible. To the 



OUR PLACE IN THE ARMY. 1 25 

fcimilics and friends of the dead I can only offer my heart- 
felt sympathy ; but for the wounded I can offer my earnest 
l)rayers for their comfortable and final recovery." 



l^OSTEl^ OK 

SIX i H ARMY CORPS. 

DECEMBER 13, 1862. 



Right of tJic Left Grand Division. —Vla]ox-Q<c\\. W. 1>. 
Franklin, commanding. 

Sixth Corps. — Major-Gen. W. F. SMITH, .commanding. 

FIRST DIVISION. 

Brigadier-Gen. W. T. H. Brooks, commanding. 

First Brigade. — Col. A. T. A. TORBERT, commanding 
1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 15th and 23d New Jersey Volunteers. 

Second Brigade. — Brjgadier-Gen. J. J. Bartlett, com- 
manding 27th, i6th, 12 1st, New York, 5th Maine and 96th 
Pennsylvania. 

Third Brigade. — Col. G. W. TowNE, commanding i8th, 
31st and 32d New York and 95th Pennsylvania. 

ARTILLERY. 

Williston's D, 2d United States; McCartney's A, 1st Mas- 
sachusetts; Hexamer's A, ist New Jersey; Woolcott's A, 
1st Maryland. 

SECOND DIVISION. 

Brigadier-Gen. A. P. HoWE, commanding. 

THIRD DIVISION. 

Brigadier-Gen. JOHN Newton, commanding. 




Capt. H. C. Rogers, Co. " D." 

{Assistant Adjutant-General, on the Staff of Gen. Slocmii.') 



CHAPTKR V. 

DECEMBER 2oth the paymaster came, and the men 
received four months' pay, $52.00. This was followed 
by the usual amount of excesses on the part of some of 
the men ; but, we are glad to say, the 27th had as few men 
who indulged in the ordinary camp vices as any i^egiment 
in the department. 

Soon after camping at White Oak Church we received 
orders to make ourselves comfortable for the winter, as here 
would be our winter quarters. The weather continued quite 
cold, and there was little camp duty besides inspection, till 
the 25th, when we had a mild, pleasant Christmas, and 
cabin building became the great industry of our camp. A 
ration of whiskey was served to the men this morning, and 
some of them became " ga-loriously " happy. 

Christmas was a lively day in camp. Most of the men 
spent the day industriously working on their cabins, with 
little to eat, while others were casting about for materials 
for a Christmas dinner. Foraging was out of the question, 
for there were too many troops in the neighborhood, and 
the country had been thoroughly scoured. So we had to 
depend entirely upon the commissary and the sutler for 
the wherewithal. Some pooled their rations, and had a 
family dinner in one of the tents. Happy was the squad 
whose culinary department could show a frying-pan, and a 
quart tin cup for boiling coffee. But it was a dark day that 
did not show some pleasure, and many a soldier can look 
back to that Christmas dinner in camp and say that he had 



t28 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

more rollicking fun and a greater amount of hearty enjoy- 
ment with half a dozen companions curled up in the cor- 
ner of his little tent, than now, even when seated beside a 
well filled table and surrounded b)^ friends. Then fancy 
free, with few ties to bind him to life, he was determined to 
extract all the pleasure possible out of existence as he went 
through it. 

So there was much sunshine even in a soldier's life. Our 
cabins were usually built large enough for two, and were 
partly in and partly above ground. The Virginia red clay 
was good ground on which to build. First we would dig a 
hole about two feet deep and six feet square ; then build 
walls of small pine logs, from four to six inches in diame- 
ter, laid up " cob-house " fashion, two or three feet high 
and resting on the edge of the cellar already dug. These 
were covered with shelter tents that let in plenty of light, 
and the logs were banked and plastered with clay, which 
made them wind proof. A fire-place was made by digging 
a recess two feet square into the clay on one side, and 
above this a chimney was made with split sticks that ex- 
tended above the top of the tent and were well plastered 
inside and out with the tough Virginia clay, which was a 
good substitute for mortar. Our bed was just high enough 
from the ground to make a comfortable seat in front of the 
fire-place, as it took up about two-thirds of the cabin. It 
was made of poles or pieces split thin enough to make a 
good spring bottom. On these were placed cedar boughs ; 
or, when they could be had, gunny-bags, filled with straw, 
made more comfortable beds. Knapsacks, overcoats or 
boots were used for pillows, and our two blankets made the 
covering. 

Our cabins completed, the men turned in and built com- 
fortable log houses for the officers" quarters. 

We remained quietly in this camp several weeks, with 
nothing to disturb the monotony of camp life. There was 
the usual routine of drill, reviews and inspection, with an 
occasional tour of two or three days of picket duty. The 
weather was cold, and snowy much of the time. We vis- 



THE SOLDIER, AS A COOK. i2g 

lied our friends in the different regiments within a radius of 
ten miles of our camp, read all the books and papers we 
could get, gave a good deal of thought to the culinary de- 
partment, and having got tired of government rations* 
we bought flour, sugar and lard of the commissary, made 
crullers, cakes and pies, and these, helped out with an occa- 
sional box from home, made a menu that home folks might 
envy. Some enterprising comrades turned their little tents 
into bakeries, made crullers and sold them to the men. 

The annoyances which the soldiers were sometimes sub- 
jected to in the way of bad biscuit or unwholesome meat 
were the means of developing much wit and linguistic 
sprightliness that otherwise would have remained dormant, 
and tended also to stimulate culinary ingenuity. Some 
wag would declare that B. C, on the cracker boxes at this 
time, denoted that the hard-tack was made before the 
Christian era, and kindred jokes abounded at the expense 
of salt junk and desiccated vegetables. The following va- 
riety of delectable dishes, all made from government 
rations, illustrate the culinary ingenuity. " army scouse," 
" lumgullion," "dingbats," "flippers," "succotash," etc. 

The story went the rounds of the camp one morning, 

that Captain n, late the night before, after having 

imbibed too much " Commissary," blundered without cere- 
mony into the quarters of Captain s, in search, as 

he said, " of something sour — either vinegar or pickles — as 

he felt very sick !" Captain s answered from his 

bed, "that he had no pickles, but that there. was a bottle 
of horseradish standing on the Company desk, that would 
answer every purpose." The bottle was found, the cork 
removed with some difficulty, and a large spoonful bolted 
down. It did not stay, however! and the victim expressed 
the opinion that it must have become spoiled ! " Oh, no !" 

replied Captain s, " you have just taken the top of 

the bottle ; dip lower down, and you will find it all right !" 
A second dose was self-administered, with the same nause- 
ating effect, — when, upon examination, the boozy captain 
found that he had swallowed about half the contents 



130 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS, 
of a bottle of " Hair Pomatum !" Captain 



a temperance man, is always ready to say, " Smoke at my 
expense !" whenever the word horseradish is mentioned. 

The most enjoyable part of our time was that spent in 
writing letters to "the girls we left behind us." and our his- 
tory would not be complete without quoting some of 
these : 

A SOLDIER'S LETTER. 

Camp or the 27111 Reg't N. Y. Vols., ) 

Near White Oak Church, Va., Dec. 29, 1862. I 

My Dear Friend : — I was made very glad this afternoon by receiving 
your welcome letter. Almost the only comfort we have to cheer a sol- 
dier's life is receiving letters from our friends, and gladly do we spend 
our leisure time in answering them. 

And nosv let me begin just where your letter found me, and review the 
last few weeks of our campaign. 

I was sitting in my little tent with my comrade, each of us doing some 
mending, when the letters came. You know our shelter-tents are very 
small, and when we remain in camp any length of time they are very in- 
convenient. So to remedy this, we build up a pen of logs and pitch the 
tent on top, and by banking up the eatth around and building a fire-place 
in one side, make ourselves a comfortable home. In such an one, which 
we spent all day Christmas in building, are we seated to-night. Christ- 
mas was a pleasant but not a ver}' merry day ; for the scenes through 
which we have passed during the last two weeks have so depressed our 
spirits that the holidays bring but little cheer to us. Our repulse at 
Fredericksburg, followed by the extreme cold weather and the discom- 
forts attending, of course gave rise to a great deal of murmuring among 
the troops. They do not seem to blame Burnside so much, although the 
attempt to cross at this point seemed a piece of the greatest folly, and had 
it not been for great stupidity on the part of our enemies, our whole arniv 
could have been driven into the river. But the blame rests farther back, 
upon those at home and the Washington authorities, who have kept u\) 
the constant cry, " Why don't the army move?" and so have forced a cam- 
paign unwelcome and impracticable. They c<juld not be satisfied after 
removing our General. He was the onlj' one that has realized the strength 
of his foe and shaped his jilans accordingly, :ind who held the confidence 



A soldier's letter. t3t 

of his men. To-daj' the whole ariv])' is prating for liis return, and mlj' 
God srant that he may come back to us. Not until this is done, and the 
cowards at home shall cease their cr}-, and. as you say, " shall on with the 
garb and off to the wars themseh^es," may we look for success. 

Personally I am not at all discouraged at our late repulse. I feel that 
God had a purpose in thus humiliating our nation ; and I fear that we 
must have many such a lesson before peace is established. Something 
must be done to unite our people. When we become a unit, as the South 
is to-day, and the administration adopts a difterent policy, then shall I 
look for success to our arms. 

I am ver)' glad that you agree with us in regard to Gen. McClellan, and 
your letters came with much cheer for us ; for of all my correspondents, 
except mother, you are the onl}' one who takes the same view of affairs 
as the soldiers do. Most of my friends seem to rejoice that he was 
removed, and seem to believe the absurd falsehoods that are circulated by 
his enemies, but thev will yet change and be as glad as we to see him 
returned. 

Since Christmas the weather has been very mild and warm, and this, 
together with the short rest, has raised our spirits ; the gloom is fast dis- 
appearing, and by New Year's I think the army will be itself again. Many 
are hoping that we shall be allowed to rest the remainder of the winter, as 
tliey do not believe in a winter campaign. I hardly think we shall remain 
here long, and I am read}- at anytime when orders come, to go where duty 
calls. I have firm confidence in Him who has ever sustained me, and m)* 
faith shall never waver. It is not so hard as you seem to think for us to 
live on faith. Even in the darkest hours I find the greatest comfort. I 
thank you heartily for your kind sympathy, for it is this 

"That cheers the soldier's lonely way. 
And makes him to his lot resigned." 

It is getting late, and I must retire to rest on my couch made of cedar 

boughs spread upon the ground, where I shall sleep as sweetly as if h'ing 

upon a bed of down. So, bidding you good night and wishing j^ou a 

Happy New Year, I remain 

Your friend, *** 

P. S. December 30th. — This morning we have received orders to be 
ready to move in twelve hours, with three days' rations and sixty rounds 
of cartridges. Where we are to go, we cannot tell. It is a dark time in 
<,ur coiintiy's history. God grant that the clouds mav soon be raised. 



132 RECORD OF 2'/rU REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

Jan. I, 1863. — To-day the army and the nation arc 
thrilled by the advent of the " EMANCIPATION PROCLAMA- 
TION." Every contraband who might be waiting upon an 
officer's mess, or cleaning an officer's horse, every colored 
servant, every African mule-driver, on this ist of January, 
1863, becomes at once as completely a new object of inter- 
est to the average soldier as if the black man had just 
dropped from the clouds before his startled eyes. There 
are various shades of sentiment with which this immortal 
proclamation is received. There are some men in every 
company who perfectl}- comprehended the relation which 
slavery sustained to secession, and who had foreseen the 
necessity of an emancipation measure, when the first gun 
was fired. There are others who to-day look upon the 
measure as a dangerous expedient. 

Confirmatory Emancipation Proclamation. 

Whereas, On tlie 22d day of Septcmljcr, in the year of our Lord one 
thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, a proclamation was issued by the 
President of the United States, containing, among other things, the fol- 
lowing, to wit : 

" That on the first day of January, in the 3'ear of our Lord one thousand 
eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State 
or designated part of a State, the people whereof sliall then be in rebellion 
against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free ; 
and the Executive Government of the Lhiited States, including the mili- 
tary and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom 
of such persons, and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any 
of them, in any eflbrts they may make for their actual freedom." 

"That the Executive will, on the first day of January aforesaid, by 
proclamation, designate the States and parts of States, if anj^ in which the 
people thereof respective!}' shall then be in rebellion against the United 
States ; and the fact that any State, or the people thereof, shall on that day 
be in good faith represented in the Congress of the United States, by 
members chosen thereto at elections wherein a majority of the qualified 
voters of such States shall have participated, shall, in the absence of 
strong countervailing testimony, be deemed conclusive evidence that such 
State and the people thereof are not then in rebellion against the United 
States." 



THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION. 1 33 

Now, therefore, I, Aukaham Lincoln, President of tlie United 
States, b)' virtue of the power in me vested as Commander-in-Chief of the 
Army and Navy of the United States in time of actual armed rebellion 
against the authority and Government of the United States, and as a fit 
and necessary war measure for suppressing said rebellion, do, on this 
first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred 
and sixtj'-three, and in accordance with my purpose so to do, publicly pro- 
claimed for the full period of one hundred days from the day first above 
mentioned, order and designate, as the States and parts of States wherein 
the people thereof, respectively, are this day in rebellion against the 
United States, the following, to wit : Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana (except 
the parishes of St. Barnard, Plaquimines, Jefferson, St. John, St. Charles, 
St. James, Ascension, Assumption, Terre Bonne, Lafourche, St. Mary, 
St. Martin, and Orleans, including the cit}- of New Orleans), Mississippi, 
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Vir- 
ginia, (except the forty-eight counties designated as West Virginia, and 
also the counties of Barkley, Accomac, Northamton, Elizabeth City, 
York, Princess Anne, and Norfolk, including the cities of Norfolk and 
Portsmouth), and which excepted parts are for the present left precisely as 
if this proclamation were not issued. 

And by virtue of the power and for the purpose aforesaid, I do order 
and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States, 
are, and henceforward shall be free ; and that the Executive Government 
of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, 
will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons. 

And I hereby enjoin upon the people so declared to be free, to ab- 
stain from all violence, unless in necessary self defense ; and I recom- 
mend to them that, in all cases when allowed, the}' labor faithfully for 
reasonable wages. 

And I further declare and make known that such persons, of suitable 
condition, will be received into the armed service of the United States, to 
garrison forts, positions, stations and other places, and to man vessels 
of all sorts in said service. 

And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, war- 
ranted by the Constitution, upon military necessity, I invoke the consid- 
erate judgment of mankind, and the gracious favor of Almighty God. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and caused the 
seal of the United States to be affixed. 

Done at the City of Washington, the first day of January, in the year 
of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the In- 
dependence of the United States the eighty-seventh. 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 



134 RECORD OF 27TII REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

Our quiet camp life at White Oak Church was not dis- 
turbed by any great amount of duty. All sorts of rumors 
filled the air, of a raid here, or a flank movement in some 
other direction, but we continued to enjoy ourselves in our 
snug winter quarters until the night of January 19th, 1863, 
when orders came to move, the next morning. 

Tuesday, January 20th, as soon as our breakfast was 
over, we dismantled our cabins of their canvas roofs, as 
they had to serve us for tents on the march, and about 
noon bid a sorrowful adieu to our comfortable quarters and 
fell in line. Just before starting, an order from Gen. 
Burnside, was read to us by Gen. Bartlett, stating : " That 
we were about to meet the enemy once more," and that 
" the auspicious moment had arrived to strike a great and 
mortal blow to the rebellion, and to give that decisive vic- 
tory which is due to the country." 

We had a long march of twelve miles. The weather 
was very cold, but pleasant. The pontoon train was along, 
and it was ordered that an attempt should be made to cross 
the river above Fredericksburg. 

The air had been so cold during the week, and the frost? 
so keen, that the roads seemed as firm as adamant, and the 
trains were moved with celerity. When we reached that 
portion of our line in the rear of Falmouth, we found that 
the troops that were encamped in and around Falmouth — 
though none of those whose camps were in view of the 
Confederates — had changed their positions. The expedi- 
tion was evidently to be a surprise. 

It was a splendid day, and mounted and foot made good 
time over the firm roads. Auspices were favorable, and 
rank and file were hopeful of a successful result. We went 
into camp just at dark, in a dense pine forest ; could not 
build any fires as the green pine would not burn. The 
ground was frozen so hard that we could hardly drive the 
tent-pins. Scarcely had night arrived, when a storm arose, 
a storm in earnest. The wind blew a gale and rocked the 
trees spitefully. The night was very dark. The rain soon 
dissolved the firm crust that had borne us up all day. The 



STORY OF THE MUD MARCH. 1 35 

tent-pins would not hold, and down came the tents. The 
wheels of the artillery and wagons settled into the ooz- 
ing mud, hours before an attempt was made to move them. 
Our blankets were wet through, and we found ourselves 
lying in a pool of ice-cold water. Morning dawned upon a 
dank, wet body of men. No one got a wink of sleep, and 
all, in that cheerless wilderness of trees and mud, agreed 
that it was the most tedious night that we had ever passed. 

About 8 o'clock we packed up and marched on two or 
three miles. Our blankets were wet and very heavy ; the 
mud was deep, and we had a hard time. One soldier, in 
his diary, puts it in this way : " Marched at 8 o'clock. 
Every rag wet ; knapsack heavy as a mountain ; poor me 
nearly frozen to death ; expect to cross the river and have 
a fight." 

We went into camp in a piece of oak woods, about noon. 
Built up large fires, dried our blankets and clothes, pitched 
our tents and made ourselves quite comfortable. The rain 
continued to fall all day and night, and defeated our plans, 
for we soon heard that the move was given up — for which 
the rebs. may thank their stars. 

Friday, January 23d. — The men are in excellent health 
and fine spirits, after having had a good night's rest, and a 
gill of whiskey in lieu of rations, which are getting quite 
short. The clouds cleared away about three, and the sun 
shone out warm and bright, — when we "were ordered to 
pack up, and made a short march up the river, very near 
the shore, where we are to guard one of the pontoon trains, 
which is stuck in the mud, and help draw it and the ar- 
tillery up from the plain to higher ground back from the river. 

Looking across the river, we could see a big tent fly, 
which the rebs. had put up early Wednesday morning, on 
which they had written with charcoal : 

"BURNSIDE STUCK IN THE MUD!" 

They were greatly elated at the discomfiture of our army, 
and amused themselves by offering to come over and extri- 
cate our men from the mud ; to aid them in crossing, and 
to show them around on the other side. 



136 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

Saturday, the 24th, our entire division was set to work 
pulling the pontoon wagons out of the mud. Every wagon 
and gun was down to the axle in the mud, and it was vain 
to try to draw them with the mules. So a long rope was 
made fast to each side of a wagon, and from one to two 
hundred, and sometimes three hundred men would take 
hold of the ropes, and at a given signal would start and 
draw them up a hill to some high ground, where they were 
parked, and left for the mud to settle. This gave us a hard 
and dirty day's work, but at the same time lots of fun. 

At one time, when we were all tugging away at the ropes, 
a spruce young officer rode up, dressed in a bright uniform, 
with white gauntlets, and, in a peiemptory tone, ordered 
some of the men to pull harder, — when a man who had 
hold of one of the ropes, and was dressed in an old blouse, 
with a slouch hat, looked around over his shoulder, and 
said, "Who are you, any way ?" "I am Lieut. Hunter, 
in command of the engineers." " Well, I am Major-Gen. 
Brooks, in command of this division, and I order you to 
get down from that horse and take hold of the rope with 
these men." And down he had to come, saluted by a de- 
risive cheer from the men ; and the boys soon had his new 
uniform well spattered with mud.^ 

After a few hours' work Sunday morning, the last boat 
was drawn out ; and we, looking as though we had been 
buried in the mud and dug out again, were ordered to 
march back to our old camp at White Oak Church. We 
reached our cabins about dark ; and, though the men had 
been allowed to march at will and pick their vv^ay, the mud 
being knee-deep, they were very tired. The officers had 
ordered that barrels of whiskey should be placed beside the 
street, with the heads removed, and every man was urged 
to take a big ration. We then wrapped ourselves in our 
damp blankets, and lay down on our old beds, without 
shelter, and awoke next morning with our garments steam- 
ing from the heat and moisture. Thus ended the march 
that has gone into history under the name of " Burnside 
Stuck in the Mud !" 



GENERAL BURNSIDE RELIEVED. 1 37 

It was the second unsuccessful attempt to take Fred- 
ericksburg, which still held out against us, while the enemy's 
pickets would tauntingly call across the Rappahannock to 
our pickets, and ask, " When are you coming over again ?" 
" Have you got your mules out of the mud ?" But we can 
quietly bide our time, for we know that eventually the 
place must fall into our hands, — not without hard fight- 
ing, however ; but this we are ready for when the weather 
will permit. 

In this last movement Gen. Rurnside had acted almost 
solely upon his own responsibility. The sentiment of his 
general officers was almost unanimously against it, and some 
of them freely expressed themselves in opposition. This 
was a powerful reason for abandoning the plan, aside from 
the inclemency of the weather. 

Gen. Burnside now expressed his intention to either 
partly re-officer and reorganize his army, or to resign his 
commission as major-general ; for he had become con- 
vinced not only that he did not have the co-operation of 
a large number of his subordinate officers of high rank, but 
that some of them were doing all in their power to thwart 
his plans. He accordingly prepared an order dismissing 
from the service Gens. Hooker, Brooks, Cochrane and New- 
ton ; and relieving from their commands Gens. Franklin, 
W. F. Smith, Sturgis, and Ferrero, and Col. Taylor. Pro- 
ceeding to Washington, he asked the President to approve 
of this order, or to accept his resignation. The President 
referred the order to his military advisers, who declined to 
recommend its approval. 

Accordingly, unwilling to accept his resignation, the 
President relieved Gen. Burnside of the command of the 
Army of the Potomac, and not long after assigned him to 
the command of the Department of the Ohio, Gen. Hooker 
was made Gen. Burnside's successor. At the same time, 
Gens. Sumner and Franklin, at their own request, were also 
relieved, and ordered to report elsewhere. These changes 
were announced to the army January 26th. 



138 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOI,S. 

In taking leave of the army, Gen. Burnside issued the 
following order : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, ) 
Falmouth, Va., Jan. 26, 1863. i 

General Orders No. g. 

By direction of the President of the United States, the commanding 
general this day transfers tlie command of this army to Major-General 
Joseph Hooker. 

The short time that he has directed your movements lias not been fruit- 
ful of victory, or any considerable advancement of our lines ; but it has 
again demonstrated an amount of courage, patience, and endurance that, 
under more favorable circumstances, would have accomplished great re- 
sults. Continue to exercise these virtues ; be true in your devotion to 
your country and the principles you hav^e sworn to maintain ; give to the 
brave and skillful general who has so long been identified with your or- 
ganization, and who is now to command you, your full and cordial sup- 
port and co-operation, and you will deserve success. 

In taking an afTectionate leave of the entire army, from which he sej)- 
arates with so much regret, he may be pardoned if he bids an especial 
farewell to his long-time associates of the Ninth Corps. 

His prayer is that God may be with you, and grant you continued suc- 
cess, until the rebellion is crushed. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major-General. 

President Lincoln's letter to Gen. Hooker, upon his ap- 
pointment to the command of the Army of the Potomac, 
was a characteristic document from a remarkable man, and 
was as follows : 

Executive Mansion, ) 

Washington, D. C, January 26, 1863. i 
Alajor-Gcneral Hooker : 

General : — I have placed you at the head of the Army of the Potomac. 
Of course I have done this upon what appeared to me to be sufficient 
reasons, and yet I think it best for you to know that there are some things 
in regard to which I am not quite satisfied with you. 

I believe you to be a brave and skillful soldier, which, of course, I like. 
I also believe you do not mix politics with your profession, in which you 
are right. You have confidence in yourself, which is a valuable, if not 



PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S LETTER. 1 39 

111 iiulispcnsalilc ijiuilit_v. You are ambitious, which, within reasonable 
I'Dunds, does good rather tlian liarni ; but I thiniv during Gen. Burnside's 
coniiuand of the armv, you liave taken counsel of voiir ambition, and 
tliwarled him as much as you could, in which you did a great wrong to the 
country and to a most meritorious and honorable brother officer. I have 
lieard, in such a way as to believe it, of your recently saying that both the 
army and the government needed a Dictator. Of course it was not for 
this, but in spite of it, that I have given you the command. 

What I now ask of you is-militar}' success, and I will risk the dictator- 
ship. The government will support you to the utmost of its abilit)^ which 
is neither more nor less than it has done, and will do for all commanders, 
I much fear that the spirit which you have aided to infuse into the arni)^ 
of criticising their commander, and withliolding confidence from him, will 
now turn upon 3'ou. I shall assist you, as far as I can, to i)ut it down. 
Neither 3'ou nor Napoleon, if he were alive again, could get an}' good out 
of an arm}' while such a spirit ])revails in it. 

And iKiw beware of rashness, but with energy and sleepless vigilance, 

go forward and give us \ictories. 

Yours, very truly, 

A. LINCOLN. 

Notwitlistanding .sonic gi-avc defects in his character and 
habits, Gen. Hooker, as a soldier, had enhsted the confi- 
dence and won the affection of the men. The plucky qual- 
ities which had given to him the name of " Fighting Joe," 
seemed to be an assurance of the activity and energy that 
were so necessary to the successful endurance of the con- 
test ; while his kindly nature, and his genial, social temper- 
ament, won the love and good wishes of all who came in 
contact with him. 

In appearance, when in command, he represented the 
dashing, chivalrous soldier, of whom we have read in his- 
tory and fiction, inspiring confidence and awakening our 
enthusiasm. As he rode along the line while reviewing a 
corps, mounted upon a snow-white steed, horse and rider 
seeming but one; erect in all the pride of command; his 
hair neai"ly white, contrasting strongly with his ruddy com- 
plexion, he looked the perfect ideal of a dashing, gallant, 
brave commander. We soon learned that his skill in organ- 
ization fully equalled his bravery upon the battle-field ; and 



I40 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. V. VOLS. 

the results were apparent in the improved discipHne and 
morale of the troops. 

And it must be recorded on every page that ilkistrates 
the splendid military achievements of Hooker, that he was 
the commander who knew how to inspire confidence in him- 
self, by considerately reposing confidence in others. 

Gen. Sumner, after being relieved, retired to his home in 
Syracuse, N. Y.; but his enforced idleness, and the absence 
of the military surroundings to whfch he had been accus- 
tomed during the best part of his life, chafed the veteran 
soldier, and probably hurried him to his end. He died on 
the 21st of March following. The words of a brilliant wri- 
ter, Avhen afterwards speaking of him, were fully merited : 
" We have had better captains than Sumner, but no better 
soldiers — no braver patriots." 

The w^ords which trembled upon the dying lips of the old 
general — " May God bless my country, the United States 
of America" — were the key-note of his life. Green be the 
turf above his grave. 

Gen. Hooker, upon assuming command, immediately be- 
gan improving the discipline and perfecting the organization 
of his troops, and with such success that he had, some two 
months afterward, as he declared, " The finest army on the 
planet !" He broke up the " grand divisions," which many 
ofificers had considered useless formations ; infused his own 
vitality into the staff and administrative service ; and gave 
distinctive badges to the different corps. This latter idea 
was one of the best ever adopted, and the soldiers of the 
army took pride in the display of the badges of their respec- 
tive divisions and corps. 

These badges were made of flannel cloth, cut into the 
shape designated for each corps, an inch and a half long, 
and were ordered to be worn on the top of the cap, or on 
the left side of the hat. 

The 1st Corps was designated by a disk; the 2d, by a 
trefoil ; the 3d, by a lozenge ; the 5th, by a Maltese cross ; 
the 6th, by a plain (or Greek) cross ; the i ith, by a crescent ; 
and the 12th, by a star. (See next page.) 







CORPS BADGES. I4I 

Kach corps held three divisions, and the badges, 
\\ hose form determined the corps, also designa- ^ 
led the divisions by colors. The badge of the 
hrst division of each corps was made of scarlet 
cloth; the second, of white; and the third, ^^ 
of blue. The heaclcjuarters flag of each division 9- 
was decorated in the same way. 

The idea of corps badges first originated with 
Gen. Kearney, who had, some time before he oj 
was killed, directed that the men of his brigade • 
should wear a badge to indicate the command 
to A\ hich they belonged. 

By means of these badges, any ofificer or man r^.l ^- ^^ 
could tell at a glance to what command any body 
of men belonged. The 27th, being in the first 
division, sixth corps, wore a red Greek cross. o\ 
When the order to wear badges was first issued, P' 
Gen. Bartlett conceived the idea of making a 
badge that would also indicate his brigade : so 
he ordered them to wear a cross, with the stand- ;^i 
ard longer than the arms, or a regular " crucifix ;" ^ 
but this gave rise to so much profane wit, and ►_ 
made the brigade a "butt" for so many irrev- :Z.^^sL_ 
erent remarks from other commands, that it was " ^^^-^ 
soon abandoned. ^ 

The same day, the 26th, everybody was busy fixing over 
their cabins, and getting comfortable quarters constructed. 
Gen. Slocum visited our camp, and we gave him three times 
three hearty cheers. We now settled down to the regular 
camp duties, and with the exception of a few individual 
mishaps, camp life was quite endurable. Occasionally a 
tent would take fire and burn down over its luckless occu- 
pant. One man cut off his foot while chopping wood ; and 
one wrote in his diary as follows : 

" Wednesday, January 28, 1863. — Snowed all day; mud 
knee deep ; my fire-place caved in ; cold as Greenland ; I 
am in a peck of trouble ! My country ! oh my country ' 




142 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

would that my patriotism had been Jess ! so that I had 
never fought for thee !" 

" January 29. — Snow ten inches deep ; made a new ' she- 
bang ;' snow all melted before night." 

We now had plenty of time to write letters, and some of 
these, with their answers, will show better what a soldier 
was doing or thinking, than any other line of history : 

Cami' of 27TH Regiment N. Y. Vols., near Win ie ) 
Oak Church, Va., Fcl)iiiary, 1863. { 

Mv Kind Friend: — It is a briglit, licauliful day, aiul not unlike (he 
one )fou described in )'our letter, received two weeks ago. But what 
changes have we experienced during tliese two weeks : Cold, .rain, snow, 
and mud, have been the order witli us ; and, I assure you, we know how 
to appreciate, pleasant weather now. As I apprehended, our regiment 
started on the march the day after my last was written. We had to leave 
our comfortable quarters only to experience a week of the most extreme 
cold and exposure that it has ever been our lot to endure. It being a 
"variety," the men bore it without a murmur, but were thankful enough 
to get back to our old camp, which we reached Sunda}- night. 

You have already read the particulars of the last move, in the papers ; 
so I will not write them, only to s.ay that our division had it much harder 
than the rest of the army, having been left behind to guard and drag the 
pontoon train out of the mud. But it is all over, and for the past week 
we have been bus}'^ building up our huts again, and we are now even more 
comfortable than we were before ; and can enjo}- it, without any fear of 
another move at present. For the last attempt has clearly demonstrated 
the fact that a winter campaign in Virginia is out of the question. 

Gen. McClellan learned this long ago, but the new generals and the 
people have only just found it out. Your letter came straight, as you 
charged it, and it met me w+ien returning to camp, at just the right time 
to revive ni}' spirits ; for I was very weary with the fatiguing march. That 
was a Sabbath long to be remembered, but now that we are settled com- 
fortabh' in camp, we tr}' to forget by-gones, laugh at our discouragement, 
and keep in the best of spirits. 

There is beaut}' even in war, but how hard for us to see it. Yet God's 
purposes will be accomplished. The day of good may be near at hand, 
or it ma}' be far away, and we may not live to see it ; but what are our lives 



A soldier's letter. 143 

compared to the existence of the Nation ? At present our cause looks par- 
ticularly dark. There has been another change of generals, but no more 
satisfactory. Still, " Fighting Joe " has gone to work with a will, and he 
may )^et prove to be " the man ;" but we look for nothing till the tried and 
worthy "Little Mac" is returned. We grieve much at the loss of Sumner 
and Franklin. We know them to be gallant and brave, and hope that 
Franklin ma}- be returned. Our old Colonel — now General — Slocum is 
in a fair way to rise still higher, and will probably take Franklin's place. 
He came to visit his old brigade one day last week, and made us a nice 
little speech. He is a favorite with all who know him. Our division 
commander — Brooks — has never distinguished himself, but is liked quite 
well. He had some difhculty, during the late move, with Gen. Burnside 
and Gen. Smith, and is now in Washington, under arrest. And our fav- 
orite, Joe Bartlett, is now in command of the division. He, too, is bound 
to rise, and will soon get the other "star." The boys are now all looking 
anxiously forward to the time of our discharge : only three months more, 
and we shall be free. This is now all the talk in camp, and there are 
some rumors that we are to be discharged before. For if there is to be no 
move till spring, we can hardly see the object in keeping us ; but I do not 
look for a premature discharge. 

(Evening.) — I think if you were to look into our tent to-night, )ou 
would almost envy us our situation. We are seated beside a good warm 
fire. Our tent is much better than it was before we moved : we have dug 
down deeper in the ground, and built the logs up higher on the sides. 
We are each writing letters by the light of a tallow candle. We have just 
finished our supper, and have had an excellent meal of potatoes and pan- 
cakes, with butter to eat on them. Yes ; as good as you can get up at 
lujme. The butter, mother sent me in a box ; the tiour and potatoes we 
bu\- of the commissary. I won't give in to any woman on getting up a 
meal. If you don't believe me, step in and take breakfast with us in the 
luorning, and I will prove it. To-day there has been an inspection of our 
brigade, all the men being called out : I, being on duty, did not have to 
go, but I shall have to be up a good part of the night. Discipline among 
the old troops is about " pla^-ed out." Excuse my soldier phrase. 

Oh I what a sick lot of men the new troops are. The)' do not seem to 
understand how to make themselves comfortable : so that they suffer very 
much from exposure, and just sit down and complain. One of our boys 

made a visit to the regiment to-da}'. They are in camp fifteen 

miles from here. He says "they have not fixed up their camp at all, but 
have their tents pitched on the ground, the same as we do in summer. 



144 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

They are already very tired of the service. It is amusing to hear them talk. 
I reckon they will get enough of it before their time is out." 

I hear that my brother has entered the service. It must be quite lonely 
at home, but mother, judging by her letters, seems to keep quite cheerful. 
I hope you will do all you can to comfort her. 

Yesterday, Sunday, we had no service in camp. Our Chaplain does 
not seem to exert himself much in the line of his calling. Very few of 
the men have any regard for religion, and Sunday is disregarded and i)ru- 
fauL-d, to a great extent. 

Last evening we spent quietl\' in our tent, but were disturbed until 
midnight by a lot of men and ollicers of a regiment camped near us, who 
had collecied in a tent near b\-, and s|ient the evening in drinking, and 
singing religious and [Mofane songs alternately. They held a mock 
prayer-meeting, some exhorting, and otheis cursing in a most profane ami 
vulgar manner: while, in our lent, we read one of Reecher's sermons, 
from the " Imhqiemlent." Awful good boys, aren't we? 

('olljoiteis and exhoiters art! numerous through the camps, and 
there ha\'e been many conv-ersions among the men of the Sixth Corj)s. 
I must relate anolher incidcnl, to show the tone of some of the ollicers in 
iflatiou lo rt'ligious things: 

Zealous Col. , having been informed that seven men in a neigli- 

boring regiment had been bapti/ed, oidered his sergeant to detail lifteeii 
men to be bai)ti/.ed, — adding that he tlid not propose to be outdone in 
anything l)y Col. , of the regiment ! 

F had a good joke played on me one da\' last week, by a comratie from 
another company. Me was in my tent a slunt time, and proposed (for 
sport) lliat lu' should write to some \'(ning lady of his acquaintance whoiu 
I did not know, and sign my name ; antl I was to do the same, and sign 
his name. Of course I agreed. Anything for fun here in cam]). Hut 
to-day I le;irn th;it he has written to ;in old acquaintance of mine, and has 
got me into a bad box. So the fun is all on one side. It is getting kite, 
and I nnist ri'tire so as to be rt;a(h- to get u]t ;it three in the morning. 

Orders have just come for our regiment to go on picket to-morrow, 
to be gone four days. How jjrosoking ! but never mind — all for variety ! 
Many thanks for your sympathy :ind kind remembrance. Please write 
soon to your true friend. 



A GOOD FRIEND OF GEN. M'CLELLAN. 145 

A Woman's Answer. 

Home, Feb. 10, 1863. 

My Dear Friend : — Welcome was your little white-winged messenger, 
as it dropped in on us last Frida\- evening, just when "the candles were 
lit in the parlor." We had a great many fears that, on account of your 
marching, our letters had failed to reach you, and had gone to swell 
" Uncle Sam's" already long list in the " Dead-letter Postoffice." I some- 
times think your letters do us as much good as ours can you. In our 
lonely winter of watching over the sick — for sister E. is gradually wasting 
away — it brings us much cheer to hear from our friends. 

Your invitation to breakfast with you I certainly would acceiH, if there 
were not so )iiaiiv ifs in the way. I would love to visit my old acquaint- 
ances in camp, and well imagine the good visit you and Major W. must 
have enjoyed. But now, just as you are nicel}^ settled aga-'n, the papers 
say the Arm)' of the Potomac is to advance ! Mow provoking. Variety, 
to be sure, is the spice of life ; but too much spice is as bad as none at all. 
I can appreciate your feelings on returning again to your old camp. You 
almost felt like singing " Home, Sweet Home," when you saw it again, 
didn't you ? — (I had forgotten you never sing) — for it was your soldier 
home. 

I do think you have had a regular splitting up time among your gen- 
erals, and hardl}^ know how t(j understand it. Those whom I have always 
supposed to be the best of all, are censured and dismissed. How strange ! 
Yet perhaps I do not knc^w, being onl}' a woman ! When Burnside took 
McClellan's place, I prophesied a short term of service for him, — that he 
would soon be dismissed, and McClellan eventually returned. Not that 
I disliked Burnside, for I have thought well of him, judging from past 
events. And sure enough, he is relieved ; and, strange as it may seem — 
I hope it is something more than rumor — yesterday's papers said the Pres- 
ident wished to return McClellan, but, the cabinet objecting, postponed 
it for the present. Yet the papers added, that it was thought in two weeks 
he would be returned. Can you imagine that I said I would not go back, 
if I were he? 'Twas a quick thought that prompted it, but I hope if he 
does, his accusers will all own his blamelessness, and be convinced that 
he knows, more than they what ought to be done. Oh, when that time 
comes, and he rises pre-eminent above his detractors (as I almost feel con- 
fident he will), as high as the tallest trees are above the lowest shrubs on 
the hillside, won't we shout aloud and i:lap our hands for Joy ! 

But I am getting rather demonstrative, am I not? Never luind ; the 



t46 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

case calls for it. I am so — wicked, some would say, that I ask no greater 
enjoyment than to see his accusers as deeply sorry and humbled for the 
injustice the}' have done him, as they have been abusive against him. 
All the powers of earth combined can neverconvince me that he is wrong, 
as long as his conduct is as Christian and upright as it ever has been. 
He wrong? No ! When the sun withdraws its light, and the stars forget 
to shine, then it will do to talk of his faults ; but till then, let all be sat- 
isfied to talk no more ; and while time lasts, as there is no danger of being 
dejirived of these lights, so there will be no opportunit)' of talking against 
him. But you must think my letter is a panegyric on McClellaii, but 
when I get to writing about him, I hardly know when to stop. 

You wrote that you were to start next day for a four days' picket ex- 
cursion (?) Did you have as extreme cold weather as we had, these days? 
You must have had a tedious time, for it was the most severe cold here 
that has l)een known in a long wiiile. 1 ahva\s think of our soldiers at 
such times, particularly for fear they suffer. I have been so little versi'd 
in the arrangements of the army, that I have never known just how your 
letters are carried to you. Have you a postmaster connected with your 
regiment, who attends to such matters? Some have, I know. Also, are 
your tents arranged together, with the headquarters for a center guiding 
star? and are you in the " woods," or on a plain ? I tr\- to imagine j'our 
situation, but feel, when 1 have finished ni)- sketch, it is nothing but imag- 
ination after all. You must miss Sabbath privileges, but I cannot see 
vvhv your chaplain does not hold regular services. Sabbath after Sabbath, 

as we gather in our church and listen to Mr. B , our dear, good pastor, 

my thoughts involuntarily turn to those who once met with us, with the 
wish they could enjoy his discourses too. But, though away, he always 
remembers them, and craves heaveni}' blessings for them, and the protec- 
tion of Him who gives His angels charge concerning them. 

And now good-night. Ma\- sweet slumbers and ])leasant il reams be 
yours to-night; and when the home feeling will creep over you, and you 
sigh for the "leeks and onions of Egypt," and wonder if they think of 
you at home, just draw the long sigh that betokens homesickness, sit down 
in one corner of your tent, and write to your true friend, in her far-away 
Northern home. "' '" * * * * * ■" * * 



LOOKING AFTER A RABBIT. I47 

March 2d to 13th. — But little doing in camp. Occasional 
details were made to build corduroy roads. These roads 
would sink so deep in the mud that others had to be built 
over them, and it was with the greatest difficulty that our 
supplies could be brought over from Aquia Creek. "An- 
other mule lost in the mud," was a common phrase in 
camp. 

March 15th, we started out on a four days' picket tour, 
with cooked rations. We were relieved by the 95th Pennsyl- 
vania, and when we returned to camp, orders were read in 
regard to more thorough police duty. For the next few 
days police duty was in full operation, and the camj) put 
on its former cleanly appearance. 

March 22d, there was brigade inspection by the Inspec- 
tor General, which is thus recorded in a comrade's diary : 
"General inspection — didn't get to our company until dark. 
We were just as well satisfied, whether the Inspector was 
or not. Our company shows to the best advantage in the 
dark. In fact they love darkness rather than light, be- 
cause — their breeches are dirty ! " 

It was a favorite pastime for some of the men to slip 
past the regimental guards and stroll out over the country 
for the purpose of hunting rabbits, which were very numer- 
ous about the old fields and swamps. As the country was 
thickly studded with camps, it was rather dangerous sport, 
and an order was issued forbidding any soldier going out 
of camp with his musket, except on special duty. Bob 
V\'a\', the "famous jumper" of Co. " C," and "Pony 
lUair," his tent-mate and inseparable companion, had been 
out on an excursion of that kind, and, returning, passed 
near division headquarters. Unfortunately for them, they 
came upon Gen. Brooks, who commands the division. 
The boys saluted and marched steadily on, but the General 
was not so easily fooled. " Halt ! " he roared. " What are 
you men doing here with your muskets, and without an 
officer?" The boys saw they were in for it, and knew the 
old General well enough to quickl}^ determine that they 
had better make a clean breast of it ; so they meekly 



N 




Maior-Generai. W. T. II. Brooks. 



THE WAY OF THE TRANSGRESSOR HARD. 



149 



I cplied, " We were looking after a rabbit." " Ah ! " said the 
General, in his blandest tones, "so you were hunting rabbits, 
were you ? Well, I can save you the trouble." Calling to a 
staff officer, he said : " Mr. Parsons, these men are looking for 
rabbits; just show them to the rabbit pen." Following the 
officer, they were conducted to the guard-house, where they 
were kept for a few hours, and then released. 

Confinement in the guard-house was a mild punishment 
compared with some of the methods adopted at head- 
quarters. Passing the vicinity, one would observe several 
men lugging rails upon their shoulders and marching 
around in a circle under guard, and near them others stand- 




MoDES OF Punishment. 

ing upon barrels, and still others were marching around 
with a barrel overcoat. This was a favorite mode of pun- 
ishment with the old General, but the rogues were usually 
disporting themselves in their limited circles, not feeling 
very keenly the humiliation it was designed to produce. 

Still another mode of punishment was to make the cul- 
prits sit astride a pole, elevated and supported upon forked 
posts about ten feet high, each man wearing a placard stat- 
ing" the nature of his offense. (See cut.) 

Sometimes the offender would be put on special log duty. 
Two or three sticks of four-foot fire-wood, not excessivel}' 
large, but fair size, were placed at one end of a line, and as 
many more at the other end. The transgressors were re- 



150 RECORD 01< 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

quired to shoulder a billet at one post and carry it in " com- 
mon time " to the other, there to lay it down, and taking 
up another, to return over his beat and deposit it at the 
place of departure, and so on for several hours. The pun- 
ishment consisted not in the laborious character of the 
occupation, but in the fact that it was useless labor, and 
known to be such by every one else as well as the offender. 



Another Soldier's Letter. 

Ca.mi' of tuk 27x11 Rei;'t N. Y. Vols., ) 

Nkar White Oak CiirucH, V a., March — , 1.862. ^ 

Dear Fkhcm) : — Your ever welcome letter of — date received. Ymi 
ask me to describe the incidents of a regiment on the march. 

To the uninitiated, a day's or niglit's march of an arm}' might seem 
easy to define — nothing more than the change of its location some ten or 
perhaps twenty miles, entailing a promenade interesting or the reverse, 
according to the nature of the countrj'. But this would he a vet}' faint 
idea of the reality, especially when, often after trami)ing for hours under 
a hot sun, darkness brought no halt, and the marching extended far into 
and perhaps through the night. 

Orders have been received to prepare to move, and daylight is faintly 
glimmering when the first stir is made among the shelter-tents, in answer 
to the bugle notes of reveille. Breakfast is hurriedly cooked and eaten, 
if the boiling of a quart cup of collee and the frizzing of a piece of pork 
on a smoking log may be termed a culinary process. 

The laggards and epicures are still enjoying the last mouthfuls when 
the iiugles again sound the "general," which means, "Strike tents, ])ack 
up, and form regimental line." A huge army has in it elements of a 
well regulated (-ommunity, and it is as easy for fifty thousand soldiers to 
bestir themselves as a dozen. So in a moment, acres of tents melt away 
like spring snow, and the »vhite camp has gncn place to thousands of 
armed black figures standing amid surrounding camp-fires and skeleton 
tent-poles. Now time drags, unless your regiment is near the van of the 
column, for it takes an hour, perhaps more, for the different regiments, 
brigades, divisions, and cor|js to deboucii from their places of bixouac 
and take the road in their right order. 

At length the column is fairly under wa\-, the (uen fresh and lithesome 
in the morning air, when " Halt !" sounds the bugle. Some other corps, 
or perhaps an ammunition train, comes in from another road, and you lie 



HOW A MARCH IS CONDUCTED. 15T 

liLic for ati hour. Then ihc bugle again sounds "Forward !" and the line 
, is off again. Two or three miles are made at a brisk pace, when the gait 
becomes slower, and the column seems to move by inches. Old soldiers 
know what this foretells. A stream is being crossed, and the fording- 
place permits the passage of onl}' a few men at a time. Over they go, 
however, perhaps waist deep in water, and, as soon as the opposite bank 
is reached, the closing uj) process begins, and " Double-quick " is the 
word. The longer the column is, the slower Ijy degrees liccomes the 
march of those not yet over, and a long running march in wet clothing 
will be the lot of those who bring up the rear after crossing the stream. 

The men tliink it would have been just as well if they had been 
allowed to straggle up leisurel\- and save their wind, for no sooner does 
the last straggler come pulling up to join his command, than " Halt ! " is 
blown again, and down all sink on the ground for a rest. 

Now something seems to be in the way, for after a few minutes comes 
an order to turn out of the road, and the line pushes through the bushes 
and brakes on each side, and past a long ammunition train, discovering at 
length that one of its wagons has been stalled, i. e., stuck in the mud. 
The drivers of the mules are pulling, hauling, striking and swearing, and 
the mules are kicking and plunging as onl}- army mules can do and sur- 
vive. The line is at length past the obstruction, and again takes the road. 
Perhaps it is noon by this time, and if there is no hurry, a halt may be 
made to boil the much-loved coffee ; but if, on the contrar3\ it be neces- 
sar)' to make up lost time, the column presses on, each man nibbling hard- 
tack as he goes, or biting into his piece of bacon if he is the lucky pos- 
sessor of such a morsel. There is no time for rest now, and the tired men 
sweep along with the steady swing indicative of the veteran. 

i)n the morning start, the regiment was noisv with conversation and 
liiud jokes were passed from one to another. One soldier would call 
out, "Hey, Jim ; what are a^ou here for, anyhow?" Jim would answer 
with grim facetiousness : " Thirteen dollars a month and found — dead." 
A voice would follow with some other absurd question that would receive 
an equally ludicrous reply, and then would burst forth the chorus, 
"John Brown's Body," sung b)' everybod}' who had voice enough left, 
followed by " Rally Round the Flag," and under the inspiration of the air 
and words the regiment would jog along as though unconscious of the 
surroundings. 

Later in the day, words grow fewer, and laughter and song more scarce; 
and now, late in the afternoon, the soldiers have no stomach or spare wind 
for words, and scarcely anything is heard but the groan of some sufferer 



1 5-' RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

from blistered feel, ov the stead)- clink of the bayonet, swinginn 'it the left 
side, against its neiglibor, the canteen. An occasional straggler drops 
from the ccdumn : he may be really sick, and will wait for an ambulance ; 
or lie may be what army vernacular terms a "cooler" or a " boiler," and, 
if fortunate enough to elude the lynx-e^ed provost guard, will shirk off 
into a piece of woods, cook his pot of coffee and drink it, take a (|uiet 
smoke, and come straggling into camp a long time after the regiment has 
reached it. 

For hours the troops ha\e been travelling along a road which, at all 
points, was "a riglit smart ilistance," " two screams and a holler," or "a 
right smart git" from the haven aimed at. Such, at least, liave been the 
answers received from grinning contrabands and piijc-smoking dames 
along the way. Up hills, down into valleys and across brooks, the column 
moves, with the grim and silent woods often ui)on each side ; and, although 
the sun sinks, still no indications of a halt have appeared. 

Sometimes during the last few hours of a marcli, each side of the roatl 
will be lined with stragglers whom it is impossililc to force along further, 
their powers of locomotion having com|jletely gi\-en out. At times both 
men and horses seemed to plod along mechanicall}', asleep to cvervthing 
Init the fact that it was their business to walk and cover ground. The 
men would doze while jogging along, to be suddenl}' startled by a hall, or 
some obstruction in the road. 

Soon, however, straggling orderlies, and perhaps an aid, pass the 
column towards the rear, and eager questions are again asked as to the 
distance 3'et to be traversed. Perhaps camj) is only a mile away, but a 
long mile it appears to be, ere the first indications, in the shape of some 
headtiuarter's tent, or the encampment of a battery, are seen. Gradually 
the column leaves the road, brigade after brigade.turning to the right or 
left, and are marcheu straight ahead, — some into ploughed fields, and 
otfiers into thick woods, where they halt, stack arms, break ranks and 
proceed to cook supper. Water and wood may be directly at hand, or 
both ma}^ be half a mile awa3^ It is certain that every regiment cannot Vjc 
in the same proximit)' to these necessities of a soldier's existence ; but 
even the growlers are at length satisfied, or appear to be, and in an hour 
the great bivouac of thousands is silent. 

And this experience may happen day after day upon a continuous 
march sometimes not so hard, and at other times infinitely more so, es- 
pecially when rain sets in to drench everj^body, convert the roads into 
heavj', sticky cla}', and thoroughly spoil ever}^ one's good nature. 

Vniirc trull' *** *** 

1 ours, tiui\, ^ :(. ^ j^ 



A WELCOME TELEGRAM. I 53 

March 23d and 24th. — There was company drill in the 
forenoon and afternoon. This caused a great deal of grum- 
bling. As our time is so soon to expire, the men think they 
have haci enough of such duty. 

On the 25th all cartridges were taken up, and fresh am- 
munition issued, l^'rom this time till after the first of April, 
" base ball " .\as the popular amusement in camp, and a 
select nine from our regiment played many games and re- 
turn games with the 32d New York Regiment, the 27th 
winning a good share of the games. This sharp exercise 
put the men in good condition after the winter of idleness 
in their tents and cabins. 

April 14th. — This has been another "red letter" day 
with the regiment. For a week the camp has been in a 
ferment of excitement over the removal of Gen. Bartlett, 
our brigade commander. It seems that Congress, for polit- 
ical reasons, has failed to confirm his appointment as Brig- 
adier-General, and he has put off his uniform, and dresses 
in citizen's garb. Monday was the day on which he was 
to take leave of his old brigade, and we were ordered to 
turn out at i o'clock to bid him farewell ; but we were hap- 
pily disappointed. Early in the day he was summoned to 
Gen. Hooker's headquarters, where he received a dispatch 
from the President re-appointing him ; and at 4 o'clock the 
brigade was ordered out to welcome him back, on the same 
ground where we had supposed, only a few hours before, we 
were to see him take his leave. He appeared in full uni- 
form, and read the following telegram : — 

" Tell General Bartlett to put on his clothes again, and 
return to his command. A. LINCOLN." 

Gen. " Joe " then made a rousing speech, and said, " he 
did not even ask for a confirmation. All he asked was the 
privilege of leading such noble and generous soldiers into 
battle once more !" 

He then rode ofT, followed by cheers of joy from his vet- 
eran followers. Had he not been returned, it is a question 
whether the two-years regiments would have followed any 




Caj't. Samuel M. Harmon, Co. "I." 



I 



.ArEK'i"i\(;s ]\\ iiri'; ciikistian coimmission. 155 

Dllicr leader into another battle. Tlie\' wouKl have feared 
to risk their re])utation in the luinds of an untried man. 

^\pri! 3d the 6th Corps was reviewed by (len. Hooker. 
The men were aU in fine spirits and expected to move 
soon. There was another liard snow-storm on tlie 5th, and 
more or less rain tih tlie Sth, when there was a i^rand re- 
view of the Army of the Potomac, by President Linct)hi, 
which left the men in good spirits and ready for a move. 
Undei- this date, one diary says: "Went to the review of 
the army; saw heather Abraham; saw (len. Sedgwick, and 
several other great guns." 

The following, from a tliar}-, tells how another soklier 
spent April 13th: "A xer}' beautiful day. My health is 
excellent. Regimental inspection at nine; general orders 
were read to the men relative to re-enlistment, and also a 
])ai't of the Articles of War. J attended service at While 
( )ak Church at three, and heard a most excellent sermon 
by a missionar)- t^f the Christian Commission. I also at- 
tentied a prayer-meeting, on Saturday evening, at the same 
place ; it w^as very interesting. Meetings are now held in 
the church ex'ery evening, conducted b)' the Christian 
Commission, and are well attended. This is the hap- 
piest Sabbath I have passed in a long time. There is but 
little prospect of moving, yet plenty of rumors. During 
our stay in the army we have made the acquaintance of 
several Mr. Say-So's. They are not very reliable. News 
from Charleston is ver\' encouraging. This army is in good 
spii"its, and most of them read}' for a move." 

.\])ril 13th. -This morning all the cavalr)- in the army 
ha\e broken up their camps and are moving u[) the river, 
but we do not know their destination. With a comrade I 
w ent over to see the captive balloon, which is now kept up 
every pleasant day. The station is located far enough 
back from the river to be out of range of the rebel cannon. 
Two men usually make the ascent, ec]uipped with large 
field-glasses and telegraph instruments. From an elevation 
of about two thousand feet they can overlook the rebel 
w orks and telegraph their observations to headquarters. 



156 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N, Y. VOLS. 

April 14th received orders to move, and drew sixty 
rounds of ammunition and ten days' rations, but the 
weather continued stormy and the contemplated move was 
delayed several days. The time w^is taken up with reviews, 
inspection, picket, pay-day, and writing letters, another of 
which we cjuote : 

A SOLDIER'S LETTER. 

Caimi' i)f 27111 Rf.gimp:ni N. Y. Vols., jI 

Nkak WiiiTK Oak Cm ki 11, Va., — , 1S63. ^ 

Dkak Fkiknd : — Your IuUli came Monday aflcnioon, and was rcatl 
wilh the same pleasure that all of your letters give me. To day we 
are having one of your cold March days. The ground is frozen ; a cold 
wind is blowing anil a few tfakes of snow are Hying. It is time for spring, 
iiul winter .seems loth to leave us. We have had a few pleasant days, luit 
none warmer than it was there the day you wrote. It is a mistaken idea 
that we are far enough south to enjoy a warm climate. We have aljout llie 
same changes and degree of temperature that you have hati in York State. 
No signs of flowers or vegetation yet, and besides, were it warm weather, 
I don't believe this countr)' would produce a flower, the huul is so barren 
and poor, except along the river. 

You wish to know something about the mail arrangements in the army. 
At Washington there is a military postotfice where all the letters for the 
soldiers arc sent. Here they are sorted, letters for each division being 
put together. Then agents bring them to arm}' headquarters, where the}' 
are delivered to the letter-carriers of each division. These sort and give 
them to the brigade carriers, and these in turn deliver them to the head- 
quarters of each regiment, and then they are sent to the companies. We 
usually get a mail every day. 

As to the camp, it is a very interesting picture. Now that the men have 
built log huts, it is more like a city. The streets are regularly laid out. 
The lieadquarters are a little distance ofl', in a line with the main street, 
and the line officers' tents are on the left, fronting the company streets. 
This part of Virginia is not hilly, but very rolling. 

When we laid out this tamp, on the 19th of December, it was in a 
dense forest of pine and cedar, and not far off was plenty of oak timber ; 
but now scarcely a tree is left standing, and we have to go a mile and a 
half for wood, and " tote" it in on our backs. In some places where the 
trees had been cut high, we took the second cut off the stumps, arid even 



A SOLDIERS LETTER. 1 57 

1^1 u;; (HI I the stumps where it was easy digging. We gel Init little at a 
time, as it is not safe to leave any oict-doors at night, for some find it easier 
to steal than to carry it from the woods. The lantl is now nicely cleared, 
and von can imagine what a change it has made in the appearance of the 
countrv. Citizens returning would not know their own farms. 

The roads are rapidly improving here, and it is quite evident that 
Gen. Hooker contemplates another move as soon as practicable. He has 
issued orders to the different generals to procure all necessary supplies, 
dispose of all surplus baggage, and have their commands in readiness 
to move at a day's notice. The rebels are still in strong force on the 
other side of the river. We can plainly see them at work on their fortifi- 
catiiMis. Whether " loe" intends to attack them here again, it is hard to 
tell. If he does as well with his arm\' in action as he has while we have 
been in cain[), he will win for himself a noble name. He has won the 
esteem of all the army, because he has been so prompt in supplying llie 
wants of his men. Never has an arm\' li\'ed better than we luue this 
winter. We have been content, and in fact have enjoyed ourselves much 
of the time. 

The question now uppermost in our minds is, shall we return to the 
service after we are discliarged ? Many say thev will not I have not 
fully decided, but think that after a short visit home I shall re-enlisl, and 
ma\' do so without returning home. The soldiers are much pleased with 
the Conscription Act, ami think it will hasten the end of the war, but it 
must make a great many si[uirm, at home. Some, it seems, talk of resist- 
ance, and we hear that there are organized bands to resist the draft. We 
may have to come home and put them down, and woidd like nothing bet- 
ter than to see the skulkers who are urging otliers, forced to go them- 
selves, also our Northern secessionists ; I tliink the Northern fault-finders 
might reap some benefits from a soldiers' campaign. So let them come, 
we say, and tell their friends not to shed a tear. 

The pressed pansies you sent me were the first bright objects that have 
greeted our eyes in many a tnonth. Nothing could be more acceptable 
than such tokens in a time like this. There seems to be nothing beautiful 
on the face of the " Old Dominion " since war, with its devastating heel, 
has trampled upon its " sacred soil." 

I long to return to m)' own home-land, with all the attractions and 
social pleasures that it now affords, and for the new ones that it will afTord ; 
for a brighter day will soon come, even for the South, which was always 
attractive for its sunny skies, but uninviting because a dark, dark spot 
has dimmed its brightness. This shall remove, and our whole countr}' be 



!5<S RECORD OF 27TIT REGIMENT N. V. VOLS. 

held up to [\\v world, a picture bright and beautiful with attractions lliat 
wc cannot now even name — a country whose God is the Lord, shining as 
the sun and surpassing all others in brightness. This is not a dream, but 
a fulfillment, to accomplish which we are ready to sacrifice our blood upon 
tlie altars of our country. And for this service we ask no better reward 
than the s\inpathy and support of friends at home. 
With best wishes, 1 remain. 



A WOMAN'S ANSWER. 

Home, April, iSb3. 

l\lv Ukak FklKND: — Here I am again, and so full of good wishes thai, 
if the envelope had not held me tiglitl}' in its grasp, I should have scattered 
lliem all along the wiiv, among the blui' coats 1 i)assed. Hut though thai 
might have divided tiiem among the man\', it would not ha\'e been fullill- 
ing my errand, so as 1 am safely here, open me carefullx and lake my 
greetings, — greetings that come from one who loves her nati\'e land ; who 
thinks witli gratitude of the soldiers who arc striving to defcmd lur in her 
liour of distraction; and whose most ardent wish is, that " He who ic- 
uKneth kings, and setteth them tip," may so order in His infinite wisdom, 
that llie summer's sun may shine o'er a ]Deaceful country, — a counti}' when' 
the cannon's roar and the din of arms have ceased, for Inothers war no 
more with brothers. 

The beautiful spring has conu' onci' more. Its lialmv breathing air to- 
day ; its warm sunshine seems full of beauly to us, after the wintt't's cold 
breath.: yet there is a sadness about it, for ils gentle brcc/.cs murmui 
'■ .\dvance !" on the Rappahannock, and I wonder if there is a stir among 
the camps. God ])rotect them if there is, and shield them by His mighty 
power. He is a refuge in the time of trouble ; and how sweet to be able 
to cast all our care on Him, feeling that Jesus still lives to intercede for 
us, and that He will. For if He died to save us, will He not plead for 
us, now He is ascended on high. " Blessed be the name of the Lord for 
ever. For wisdom and might are His." 

How my thoughts follow the soldiers as they march ! I can imagine 
them plodding on ; every footfall I seem to notice. Yes, our soldiers go 
not alone. A thousand womanly hearts go with them, hearts full of grat- 
itude to our countr3''s preservers. They note their privations and know 



A woman's answer. 159 

iheir sacrifices, and are hourl\' dropping prayers around their patli. Ma\ 
(jur Heavenly Father heed those prayers ! 

As I sit down to my meals, I wonder if they are taking theirs also, and 
if the)- partake of a comfortable one. As I enjoy the comforts of a good 
home, and a warm room at night, I think of them in their tents. And for 
what are they there ? That 1 may enjo)- the comforts of my quiet home, 
undisturbed by the ravages of foes. And this is why [ ask Heaven to 
lih'ss them for their patriotism and fidelity. 

Our country (any country in war) makes hard demands of her 
sons. But let our soldiers glorv in the fact that they have tlu' best 
i'iuintr\- to fight for in the whoh; world — the noblest ! And how 1 wish 
all those who have so iu)l)l\' stood up for their country could see her 
emerge in all her puritv as the fruit of their toil and blood. .And will 
lhe\' not see it? In that beautifid Laud where so many now rest, undis- 
turbeil bv the din of arms or thi' cannon's roar, tasting of that peace 
lound only in Heaven ab(j\'e, they will see. They will look down upon 
(he victory of the right, autl strike their harps anew to the i)raise of Him 
through whose grace they concpiered, — througli whose grace theii ettorls 
became a blessing. 

How sad the death of (ieneial Sumner, just ;U this linu' when we (eel 
tiiat we need all our generals. It scents to induce the thought tiuit our 
Father seeks to draw our trust from them to Him. (Generals Mitchell 
aiul Sumner, who doulith^ss hjoked to a death on the battle-field with 
their bra\e troops, brealhed out their li\es in quiet, with friends (this was 
Hue of Gen. Sumner at least) to attend to their last wants, smooth their 
(Iving pillows and close their eves in tleath. Sureh', God was kind to 
them, and a Nation now lunu.-rs them, ami will love them none the less 
though the\' (lie(_l in peace. 

We are looking forward to tile time when we can welcome yc)u again in 

. Many changes some of the boys will find at home — especia'K 

ilujse who have not left the service since they first enlisted. Thev, too, 1 
])resunu-, have changed while leading their wandering life. It seems to 
them, no doubt, a long tiuu', in looking back to that afternoon when, 
amid the huzzas of the multitude and the tears of friends, they left for 
the seat of war. Yes, noble remnant of the 27th, welcoun' home again ! 
N'ou went out to defend our hearthstones from the ruthless invasion of 
foes, and though the rel^ellion is not yet quelled, we believe that you have 
(loiK- all that you could. Fearless and brave in battle, courageous amid 
\'our enemies, richly have you won, at the expense of vour\'erv life- 
IiIockI, (jui' esteem and respect. Again I say, welcome! thrice welcome! 



i6o RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

heroes of Bull Run, and West Point, and Gaines' Mill ; welcome ! ye 
prisoners from rebel pens ; welcome ! from hospital, where the fever's 
Wild heat is no less a foe to be dreaded than the enemy''; bullets. Come 
home to your hearthstones and your sires. There's been a sorrowing 
here for the absent one ; anxiety that cannot be told, as the eager glance 
hastil}' scanned each account (^f battle, fearing your name would there 
mark the loved one fallen. Precious dust you have left where you have 
been ; dust we trust guarded by angels — some b)' the water's side, some 
by the hill. Yes, welcome! truly, welconu' I Come one, cijmc all, and 
we'll greet vou kindly honu'. 

FaithfulU' xouis, * * * * 



The maid who binds her warrior's sash, 

With smile that well her pain disseuililcs, 
The while beneath her drooping lash 

(^ne starry tear-drop hangs and trembles. 
Though Heaven alone records the teai. 

And Fame shall ne\er know her stor\'. 
Her heart has shed a drop as dear 

As e'er bedewed the Held of gior\' ! 



The wife who girds her husband's sword, 

'Mid little ones who weep and wonder, 
/\nd bravely speaks the cheeiing word, 

What though her heart be rent asunder : 
Doomed nightly in her dreams to hear 

The bolts of death around him r.ittle. 
Has shed as sacred blood as e'er 

Was poured upon the field of battle ! 



The mother who conceals her grief 

While to her breast her son she presses, 
Then breathes a few tjrave words and brief, 

Kissing the patriot brow she blesses ; 
With no one but her secret God 

To know the pain that weighs upon her. 
Sheds liol\- blo(_)d as e'er the sod 

Recei\ed on Freedom's field of honor ! 



TUCJMAS Bl'ClIANAN ReAD. 



A soldier's letter. i6i 

Camp of the 27TH Regiment, N. Y. Vols., ) 

Near White Oak Church, Va., April 24, 1863. \ 

My Dear Friend :— You see b)' my heading that the prophec)' of the 
l)rcezes is not 3'et fulfilled. The Army of the Potomac is still in camp and 
likely to be for some time to come, for the pra3'ers of the soldiers seem to 
be more weighty than those of Gen. Hooker, and in answer to them the 
rain keeps falling, falling, falling. Many are rejoicing, and well they 
may, for it is the only prayer they have ever had answered. 

The most of the men who have any heart in their work are tired of 
i:iiii and muil, and would much rather be on the move and accomi)lish 
something looking to the end ; Init e\ery time "Joe" gets ready to move, 
down comes the rain, and while I write, it is pattering on the canvas and 
seems to whisper, "Our day ; no move ; no move." We ha\'e had a ffW 
fine days, but they are a scarce article with us. 

Last Sunday, the most beautiful day of the season, we left camp early 
to go on picket. Had "grand-guard mounting" at headquarters, and did 
n(jt reach the picket line, some three miles distant, till noon. It was a 
bus\- Sabbath for us, for the afternoon was spent in building tnush huts 
foi- shelter. Early next morning, as usual, the rain commenced falling, 
and continued all day, giving us a good soaking. You can imagine how 
pleasant it is sitting in a brush hut beside a smoking fire, with the rain- 
drops scattering through, not an inch of s])ace that they do not fill, and so 
annoy one with the constant drizzle, drizzle, drizzle. Oh, I tell you it is 
romantic ! "Who woultln't be a soldier?" 

The remainder of our three days' picket duty passed pleasantly, and 
we are now snugl}' quartered in camp. While out on this tour, I went to 
the front to take a look at the "Johnnies," our quondam friends on 
the other side of the river, (^ur picket line is about a mile and a half 
back from the river, while near the river is a line of videttes or cavalry 
pickets. So we have no opportunity to converse with the enemy's pickets, 
and besides do not have to be very vigilant while on post. 

The scenerj' of the valley of the Rappahannock from the point where 
I viewed it (a high bluff half a mile from the north bank of the river) was 
with one exception the most beautiful I ever beheld. Spread out before 
me was the broad plain, its fields already green with spring vegetation, 
and dotted here and there with beautifid mansions, surrounded by the 
now deserted negro quarters — the wealthy occupants of the for;ifier as well 
as the chattels from the latter, having fled at the approach of the invading 
" Yankees" — but from this distance, these houses nestled among the 



i62 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

peach-trees now in fiill-hlooni, look cheerful and inviting. Across the 
river there is the same extent of beautiful plain and the same indication of 
happ3' homes. But from its further boundaries rise the heights spotted 
with the rebel camps and siiKjking with ihe rebel fires, e\'crv angle faced 
with frowning forts, from wiiich the Ijiisiljng cannon command ever\- 
inch of the ])hiin below. 

Oh ! War ! War ! Why didst thou set ih\- devaslatingfoot in this beau- 
tiful valley? Why didst thou pollute these lo\-el\' |)lains with the Mood of 
those who ha\'e dwell here secmel}' for main' vears? Why didst thou not 
goto the wilderness and theic satisfy lh\- ciiiel gieed b\- the sacritii'e u|ion 
some barren soil, of the Idood of thi- noble and liia\'e? In \-ain do we 
ipiestion ; thcie is no answer. 

Yesterday, ih.il e\ei' welcome visitoi to our camp, the paxinaster, c-ame 
down on us, and tiu' boys as usual are vcr\ liap])\', and ayv singing, " (Jieen- 
backs ha\'e come again ouci' more." Main' of the two sears' men ari' 
not anxious to sec another fight, and Ihe feeling is increasing every da\'. 
Some claim that ihcii linu' is out on the 2(1 dav of .Mav, but we are lo be 
held until the'_Mst, as that is the daU~ on wliiili the regiment was mus- 
lered into the I'liited Slates' seixice. W'l' ha\'e ln-eii ordered to Ije in I'd- 
mira on the 2isl, and shall probably leave here 011 the 12th or t5lh. 'The 
bovs are now counting tlU-' minutes and seconds that we ha\'e \'et t(j serve, 
and estimating the numbi'i of haid-tack the\' ha\'e \'el to eat. 'i'his is an 
eas\' [)iobleui in muiti|il icalioii and addition, for ten of these t(JUL;h tei-tli- 
destroyers geneially come to the ])oiiiid, .uid a |>ound is a (lail\' ration. 

(Jen. Hooker has been making some \'ei'y nusteiions movements of 
late, but what il all means it is hard to tell. The night before we came in 
from picket, a train of pontoons, uumlHiing tliiitv boats, was brought out 
near where we were, and started for the 1 iser. The men said the\ had 
orders to la)' theui that night, and thai another train had gone below. 
This looked like a move, sure, and we expected ihe next day would liiid 
us on the go ; but the train is still iheie. Whether a rebel battery that 
they found wailing for them, on the other side, deterred them from com- 
pleting the plan ; or whether it was onh' a feint to deceive the rebs., is a 
mystery to us. At any rate, the enemy found out the Irain was coming in 
time to gel a batter)- in position, near the river, before it had nu)ved two 
miles; and il did not start till after dark. I'rom this yon will see that 
the\' keej) well posted as to any movement we ma\' make. The ]ilan of 
crossing the livei here again does not suit uian\ of the troops. Tlie\' 
prefer to Hank the rebs., or siege them out. The health of the troops is 
excellent, ami lhe\' are cheered with the news from oiii armies in the 



A woman's answer. 163 

South and Southwest. The spirit of the majority of our men who have 

sui\i\ed the arduous services of the past two years, is still unbroken, and 

their lo\'e of country undiminished, but you cannot imagine what a desire 

they have to see lionie and friends once more. Notwithstanding this, I 

fanc\- most of tliem will be back in the ser\'ice again iii less than six 

mouths. 

Vours, tridy, % % :!; 



Monday, April 27th. — Oi'dcr.s have come to be ready to 
march early to-morrow morning, and the boys are busy 
getting" their rations ready. Gen. Bartlett made a speech to 
our regiment and the i6th, in regard to re-enlisting, and also 
about our going into the next battle, .saying that he " could 
not leave us behind, and had no fears of our fighting ([iial- 
ities." He spoke well, but the boys " can't see the re- 
enlist," at least till after we have been home. 

Let it be noted here that the companies forming the reg- 
iment had all enlisted and been mustered into the state ser- 
vice during the month of April, 1861, and all had expected 
that their two years' term of service would expire during 
April, 1863, but the Federal Government claims to hold us 
for two years from the 2 1st of May, the date of muster 
into the United States service. This decision has given 
rise to a good deal of discussion among the men as to 
whether they should be taken into another battle ; but 
when the orders come to march we will not think of this, 
and are ready to fight as cheerfully as we have ever done. 
All are in good spirits, and expect to see fighting, soon. 

April 28th. — -At 12 o'clock we got orders to be under way 
at 3 P. M. Packed up and got off at that hour, in a light 
rain-storm. Our division is to cross the river at the same 
place where we crossed before. Bivouacked about 8 o'clock, 
about a mile back from the river. Were ordered into line 
about ten o'clock, and the plans of attack were read to us. 
Our division is all that is to cross at this point at present. 
The pontoon boats are to be unloaded and carried down to 
the river by the men, as it is feared the rattling of the 
wagon train would be heard b)' the enemy. Russell's brig- 
ade is to cross first in boats, and we are to follow them in 




Capt. Burton Freeman, Co. 1. 



CROSSING THE RIVER IN PONTOON BOATS. 165 

boats and take possession of the first two lines of rifle-pits ■ 
then the bridge is to be built, and the balance of the divis- 
ion is to come as a support. There was great delay in get- 
ting the boats down, and we did not reach the river till 5 
o'clock, just at daybreak. 

Russell's men immediately embarked. A very heavy 
fog over the river concealed their movements until they 
reached the shore, when they received a sharp volley from 
the rebel pickets. The balls came across and just over our 
lines as we stood on the shore, which made the boys lie 
doAvn in a hurry. We were ordered to load our pieces, and 
the right wing of the i6th was ordered to fire a volley high 
enough to pass over the heads of our men. This drove 
the pickets away, and a landing was effected. The boats 
returned and were filled at once, about forty men in each 
boat. No sooner did we start than the enemy opened fire, 
but we were packed so closely in the boats that we could 
not return it. We were soon across, and the men scrambled 
up the steep bank and, engaging them sharply, were soon in 
possession of their works, and had many of them prisoners. 
Two of our men were killed, four or five were wounded, antl 
two fell overboard and were drowned. 

The skirmish line advanced about a mile, and we lay 
down along the rifle-pits. Several stand of arms were 
found, which the Johnnies had thrown away in their haste. 
Two bridges were soon laid, and in about an hour the whole 
di\'ision was over and deployed in line of battle. 

The boys feel very thankful that they got over the river 
with so little loss, as we expected to meet a strong force. 
The first corps, which crossed the river about a mile below 
this point, had a hard fight, for they found a battery wait- 
ing to welcome them. 

It is a warm and beautiful day. Both the balloons are 
up, and we can see large numbers of the enemy passing to 
the left (their right). We are looking for hot work in that 
(lirecti(Mi. All the plans seem to be working well, and our 
men art: in excellent spirits. About three it began to rain, 
and we moved out in advance of the rifle-pits and pitched 



l66 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

our tents, where we remained till after dark. We then 
mov^ed back to the captured rifle-pits again. Then with 
shovels, tin plates, and hands, about-faced the pits, and lay 
down in the mud and took the full benefit of a rain-storm 
all nio-ht. 

April 30th. — A wet, dreary morning. We were ch'awn up 
in line, and mustered as quietly as though we had been in 
camp. About noon we were ordered into line, and an order 
from Gen. Hooker was read to us, praising the men for their 
feats, and stating "that certain results had been accomplished 
by the 5th, nth and 12th y\rmy Corps, so that the rebels 
would be obliged to retreat, or come out and givx' us battk: 
on our own ground, which would be certain destruction." 
This was very encouraging to the men, for they had had 
some fears that they were to be pushed against the heights, 
but feel perfectly able to defend themselves if the enemy 
should attack them on the plain. 

Alxnit 4 o'clock the rebels commenced shelling our works 
on the left, and kept it up till dark, without doing much 
harm. About dark we were ordered on picket, and advanced 
a line of skirmishers near the ravine in which we lay at the 
first battle of Fredericksburg. The outposts had to be 
keenly alert all night, — ^so there was little sleep. The enemy 
were moving a great deal tluring the night, and mau)^ con- 
jectured that they were leaving; but at daylight they showed 
a bold front, and we could see them moving about on the 
lu'ights in front of us, where they were parth' hidden b)- the 
bushes 'and trees. As they showed no disposition to fire on 
us, we showed them the same respect, and remained very 
(juiet all day. About dark we were relieved, and fell back 
toward the river, where we lay down and had a good 
night's rest. 

.Saturday, May 2d. — The weather is very fine. The reb- 
els thi"ew a few shells at us early in the morning, one striking 

the ground right in front of Company , undermining 

some of the men, and making a big hole, into which the\' 

were dropped and half cox'ered up with dirt. No one was 

urt. This made us pack up li\ely and mc^xe forw'ard to a 



A STAR SHOT OUT OF THE FLAG. 1 67 

iiKirc sheltered position. Soon the troops on our left rc- 
ci'ossed the river, and moved off to the right, up the river, 
to assist Gen. Hooker, who was now fighting the battle of 
Chaneellorsville, some ten miles distant. We could plainly 
hear the continual roar of artillery, and sometimes, when 
the wind was favorable, the sound of musketry would reach 
us, and told us that hard fighting was going on. Towards 
night more troops came over to our support, and General 
Hooker sends word that he is pushing the enemy, and orders 
us to advance. We expect hard work to-morrow*. 

May 3d. — The column commenced advancing at daylight, 
and the whole army is moving, and deploying well to the 
right, — our division holding the extreme left. The ball 
opened early, and they gave us a good shelling. Our regi- 
I ment acivanced to the same ravine we occupied during the 
first battle, on Uecember 14th. The rebs. had a battery 
that now commanded the ravine, and they shelled us beau- 
tifully. Two of our men were killed, and about twenty 
wounded. The g6th Pennsylvania, who were on picket, 
were soon driven in, and we were ordered forward to take 
their places. As soon as we were out from cover, a battery 
on the heights opened upon us, and the range was directly on 
the colors. Most of the shells went over, but one passecl 
through the flag, and cut out a star, leaving it whole ; and 
it was i)icked up by the color-bearer, A. L. VanNess. We 
hugged the ground every time we saw the flash of the guns. 
None of our men were hurt here, and all kept very cool. 
We were ordered to deploy, and advanced near a hill, where 
we remained till afternoon. 

Here Gens. Brooks and Bartlett came up to the line, 
to reconnoitre the position. They stood with their field- 
glasses to their eyes, and though the shells were bursting all 
around them, not a muscle was seen to move ; while staff 
and line officers were hugging the grounci or trying to dodge 
the shells. To the coolness of such leaders may be attrib- 
uted the bravery and steadiness of many a regiment in the 
division. 

On this line, the left of the regiment was greatly annoyed 




«VA 



Lieut. Henry Hanington, Co. " K." 



STORMING Mary's heights. 169 

by a rebel sharp-shooter, who, posted in a tall tree to our 
left, kept up a regular fire, killing one man — Charles A. 
Hosmer, of Co. " E " — and wounding several others. The 
men were more uneasy under the fire of this one man than 
all the rebel batteries on the heights. Finally a detail of a 
few men crept up in range of his position, and he was soon 
wounded and brought down from his lofty station. 

From our position we had a splendid view of the fighting 
on the right, where our men were advancing on the heights 
back of Fredericksburg. About 1 1 o'clock the cannonading 
was perfectly terrific. Our men advanced rapiclly, and soon 
the first line of works was carried. Then on went the boys 
up the hill, regardless of the terrible shower of iron hail that 
welcomed them. Soon one of our shells blew up a caisson 
in one of their forts, and apparently used them up, — for 
they soon began to skedaddle ; and, presently, the old flag 
waved upon every fort. Their guns were turned upon them, 
and on pressed our lines, and kept them moving. Our men, 
going to the right and mox'ing along the plank road, ad- 
vanceci a mile or more. The troops on the plain were then 
ordered to withdraw, our regiment bringing up the rear, 
A\ ith one company deployed as skirmishers. We moved up 
the river into Fredericksburg, the rebels following us right 
in, — our men feeling all the time that it was a great mistake 
to take us all from the valley, and allow the enemy to come 
in our rear. We passed through the city, and up the heights, 
by the plank road, which was strewn with the dead anci the 
wounded, showing the bitter struggle that had taken place 
for the possession of Mary's Heights. We passed the for- 
tifications, and Gen. Bartlett rushed his brigade past all the 
other troops, and, about three miles from the city, came up 
with the enemy, near Salem Church, where he had a furious 
struggle with them, and was obliged to retire ; but another 
line coming up, the enemy was driven back. 

We did not get up in time to take part ; but the other 
regiments of the brigade lost terribly. We were drawn up 
across the way to stop stragglers ; and as the broken lines 
came back, they were re-formed in front of us. 



I/O RECORn OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

Niglit soon set in and the firing ceased, when we lay 
down and had a good night's rest. As the shiughtcr had 
been terrible, the stretcher bearers were busy all night car- 
ing for the wounded, and as we lay there behind our stacks 
of guns we could hear the grinding of the ambulance 
wheels, as they moved back and forth filletl with their 
bleeding and suffering burdens. The dead were left on the 
field. 

The following extracts from the official Confederate 
Reports relative to this battle at Salem Church, Avill illus- 
trate Gen. Bartlett's vigorous style of fighting: 

After sliclling tlic woods lo the right and left of the road a slioit time, 
the Union troops advanced. A l)risk slcirniish ensued. The Confeder- 
ate skinnishcrs were puslietl back to tlie woods, and tlien ui)on tlie line of 
battle. The Federal line followed quickly. Reaching the edge of the 
woods they gave a cheer and rushed forward to the charge. On. on they 
came, to within eiglu\' \'ards of the opposing line. Here they received 
the Confederate lire, winch IkuI been reser\ed. Well directed and at 
close (juarters, its effect is terrible. A scene of carnage presents itself. 
The line wavers under the witheiing fire, but it is onh' for a moment. 
Hartlett dashes on. lie surrounds the school-house and cajitures the gar- 
rison. Then pushing forward to the line in the rear, he delivers all the 
impetus of his attack on the regiment stationed there. It wavers, yields, 
breaks. A little further on, and the victory had lieen won. Wilcox has a 
regiment (9th Alabama) in reserve just behind this i)art of his line. In a 
moment lie hurls this upon the advancing troops. The Alal)amians de- 
jix'ci' a (leadlv fire, at close ([uailers, an(.l rush forward to gain what had 
been lost. Gallantly cloes Hartlett sliive to hold the ad\anlage won at 
such a cost. A fierce struggle, ami in turn the Federal line gi\-es way. 
No time is allowed it to rallv. Wilcox follows closelv, increasing at each 
stip the carnage in the Federal ranks. The school-house is reached. 
The c-a])tured garrison is set free, and some of their captors are in turn 
captives. On the other side of the wood, the attack, which was not vig- 
orous, has also been repulsed. '•■■ * ■'' Vv'ilcox has lost in his brigade 
between three and four hundred men. Hartlett, whose brigade has been 
pi incipallv opposed to him, has seven hundred men //o/s du combat. 

Our regiment being on skirmish duty, bringing up the 
rear. Gen. Bartlett made the charge alluded to, with his 



COVERING THE RETREAT TO BANKS FORD. 171 

three remaining regiments, numbering 1440 muskets, of 
which he lost 260. But he had broken two hnes of battle 
and penetrated the enemy's centre, and would have main- 
tained himself there, except for the reason given by the 
Confederate historian, in the following sentence : " On the 
other side of the wood, the attack, which was not vigorous, 
had already been repulsed." 

Monday, May 4th, at 4 \. M., we were called in line and 
stood until daylight. We then cooked breakfast, and soon 
after moved off to a ravine. During the night the enemy 
had moved around our left and into the rear, giving us a 
warm morning salute from the left. We were formed in 
line of battle, facing the left, and our regiment was de- 
ployed as skirmishers and advanced towards the enemy's 
lines. There was picket firing all day, our boys holding their 
ground till near night, when they were forced back a short 
distance. Soon on came the enemy, in line of battle, when 
the battery in our rear opened on them with several rounds 
of grape and canister, and their line broke in great disorder. 
They had now. gotten so far to our rear, and were holding all 
the forts on the hill that we had taken from them, and were 
pressing us from three sides : it became evident that wc 
would have to retire from the field. At dark we were 
ordered to fall back up the river in the direction of Banks" 
Ford. Our regiment still being on the skirmish line in 
rear of the corps, fell back fighting as we went. The front 
rank would fall back while the rear would load and fire, 
then the rear rank would pass to the rear of the front rank. 

While executing this movement, Corp. , of Co. D., 

loaded three or four charges into his gun, and when he had 
discovered his mistake, he was afraid to fire, but one of the 
sergeants ordered him to fall behind the line a little and fire 
his piece, which he did without harm to his musket. An- 
other man put the ball into his gun without powder. When 
he discovered his mistake he sat down, took the screw out 
of the tumbler, put in powder, blew out the ball, and 
though the balls of the enemy were flying around him, de- 
liberately loaded his gun, turned and fired on the advancing 



1/2 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

foe, then ran and overtook his company. In this way we 
fell back two or three miles, firing at the flash of the ene- 
my's guns. We then rallied and formed regimental line, 
having lost in the retreat one killed and one wounded. It 
being very warm and the men weak from continual duty, 
the rapid march soon began to tell, and some of them, to 
save themselves, were obliged to throw off their knapsacks 
and all of their load. Coming up to the rifle-pits near the 
ford, a line of battle was formed and we lay down, waiting 
for the balance of the corps to cross the river. The rebs. 
kept shelling us all night, trying to get their range on the 
pontoon bridge. We could trace the curve of the shells by 
the lighted fuse. Very little harm was done by these 
shells. W^e expected the enemy would advance on us 
every moment, and it was a night of anxious suspense. 
Still, if the shells did not burst too near, the men would 
fall asleep from sheer exhaustion. 

About three or four o'clock we again commenced to 
retire, and were safely across the river before the rebels 
came up. As we reached the shore, the first words we 
heard were: " 27th, where did you come from? I expected 
to hear from you at Richmond." "Ah, General, our legs 
were too long for them," we replied. It seems that we had 
been left far in the rear, to cover the retreat, with the ex- 
pectation that the whole regiment would be obliged to sur- 
render on the best terms it could. 

The conduct of the 27th in going into this fight, after 
its time was nominally out, is a record of which every 
man may well be proud ; and it will go down to later 
generations as a noble sacrifice. WHiatever credit may 
be given this regiment for former services, everything 
dwarfs in the light of this crowning act of its history — 
" Obeying orders to move against the enemy, when, in jus- 
tice, they should have been on their way home." 

We marched back about a mile from the river and went 
into camp — a thoroughly used-up army. The men are 
very much chagrined at having to give up a position they 
had gained so gallantly. Again they feel that they have 



GEN. HOOKER HELD BY A SKIRMISH LINE. 1 73 

been made the dupes of bad generalship. Had Gen. Sedg- 
wick been content to have stopped in the works on the top 
of the hill, he couki have held them against all their forces, 
and now been in possession of the heights and the city(?) 
As it is, we have accomplished nothing ; or, rather, have 
lost all that we did accomplish. It seems to be one of the 
most foolish blunders of the war. All our wounded have 
fallen into the hands of the enemy. 

The above strictures on the generalship of our corps com- 
mander, Gen. Sedgwick, are from the diary of a private sol- 
dier. We did not then know that Gen. Sedgwick was acting 
under positive orders from Gen. Hooker, which were : " That 
he should carry the heights, and then immediately push on 
to join Hooker at Chancellorsville, and strike Lee in the 
rear." This Sedgwick attempted to do ; and had Hooker 
engaged Lee on the 4th, instead of being held by a strong- 
skirmish line, and allowing Lee to bring the bulk of his 
army over and hurl it upon the 6th Corps, the result would 
have been far different. 

It is now thought that Gen. Hooker will be able to hold 
his ground on the right, and probably we shall go to rein- 
force him, but are not able to march to-day. 

May 5th. — The rebels kept throwing shells at us all day, 
but we, having become quite used to them, don't mind them. 
We are looking anxiously for news from the right. We 
have heard but little fighting there to-day, and still hope 
for success. God grant that we may not be repulsed again. 
Our loss has been heavy — 622 in our brigade. 

May 6th. — Very stormy, cold and disagreeable. Hooker's 
army is now passing back, having re-crossed the river last 
night. So we are again defeated, and have left a lot of 
spoil in the hands of the enemy. The fighting at Chancel- 
lorsville has been terrible, but Gen. Hooker was not enough 
for them. Our cause looks dark, but we are not in the 
least discouraged. There must be a different plan of oper- 
ations. Our forces should be concentrated more, and should 
use the spade. Had we commenced a siege, after crossing 
the river, we could have driven them off, and not have lost 




Major-Gen. John SErxiwic k. 



GEN. HOOKER AS CONFEDERATE QUARTERMASTER. 1 75 

SO many men. The troops are calling" vehemently for little 
Mac, again, — and would that we had him back ! 

Most of the troops are moving back into their old campsj 
and we shall probably move soon. We are camped here in 
great confusion, and hardly know where we are. 

May 7th. — The men are getting well rested, and are ready 
for another move. We have seen quite a number of Gen. 
tlooker's men, and they say they were repulsed and obliged 

to retreat. Dr. H- , of regiment, gave us quite 

a description of the battle. He says he is sick of fighting. 
The loss on both sides is heavy. It is dark ! dark ! ! dark ! ! I 
Still the men keep cheerful, and the army will soon be on a 
good footing again. 

The enemy appears to be very quiet. We took a walk 
down to the river, and could plainly see them and their 
camps, on the other side. Many of them are dressed in 
blue clothes, and they feel very jubilant over their victory, 
and rejoice over the spoils they have taken. They say, 
" they have got a new quartermaster-general — J oe J looker !" 
It is a good joke, and too true. 

May 8th. — ^Got the order to pack up early, and started 
back for our old camp, where we arrived about 2 o'clock, 
taking possession of our old quarters. We found them 
about as we left them, except half full of water, — which 
we soon bailed out, put up our tents, and were "at home" 
once more. Some of us had to take in a comrade from the 
number of those who had thrown away their blankets and 
tents, on the hurried retreat. For a few days we remained 
quietly in camp, performing the usual duties. On the 1 ith 
the 1 6th New York started for home. That rnade us feel 
very lonesome, as we had always camped beside each other, 
and had seemed more like one regiment than two distinct 
commands ; and were always ready to support each other 
in action. For the next four days we made our farewell 
calls among the regiments where we had acquaintances. 
Camp life seemed very dull, as our minds were fulh' occu- 
pied with the thoughts of home. 



176 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

On the 14th, at evening parade, the following special or- 
ders were read to us : 

Hkaih.iuarteks Sixth Army Corps, ) 
May 13, 1863. j 

Special Orders A"o. 120. 

The term of service of the 27th New York Volunteers having expired, 
they will proceed to Elmira, N. Y., the place of enrollment, where they 
will be mustered out of service. 

Upon arrival there, their arms, equipments and public property will be 
turned in to the proper officers. The ( Uiartermaster's Department will 
furnish transportation from Falmouth. 

The general commanding the corps congratulates the officers and men 
of the 27th New York Volunteers upon their honorable return to civil life. 
They have enjoyed the respect and confidence of their companions and 
C(jmmanders. They have illustrated their term of service by gallant deeds, 
and have won for themselves a reputation tiol surpassed in the Ariny of the 
J'otiunar, and have nobly earned the gratitude of the republic. 

By command of Major-Gen. Sedgwick. 

M. T. McMAHON, A. A. General. 



He/\1)<.)uarikks Fiusi- Dix'ision, Sixth f-tiRps, ^ 
May 14, 1S63. i 

Special Orders No jj. 

In taking leave of the 27th Regiment of New York Volunteers, the 
Brigadier-General commanding the division is happy to be able to witness 
to their soldierly qualifications and general good conduct. Their action 
in the late campaign, on the south side of the Rappahannock, will be a 
proud record for every officer and man to carry to his home. Their record 
is saitl in a few words — " You did your duty !" and did it to the satisfac- 
tion of your commanders. 

By order of Brigadier-General Brooks. 

A. K. PARSONS, 

A. A. A. General. 



GEN. BARTLETT'S FAREWELL ORDER. 1 77 

Hdqrs. 2D Brigade, ist Division, 6th Army Corps, 1 
Army of the Potomac — Near White Oak Church, Va., 
May 12, 1S63. 
Special Order No. 46. 

The term of enlistment of the 27th New York Volunteers having 
nearly expired, they are ordered to proceed to their rendezvous, at El- 
mira, N. Y., to be mustered out of service of the United States, on the 
2 1 St day of May. 

This order severs other connections than those which hcnind the regi- 
ment to the military service. Two years of honorable and distinguished 
service have made you soldiers. 

After the fall of vour gallant and distinguished colonel, I commanded 
\ou in the first battle of the Army of the Potomac. I have led you through 
all of its subsequent campaigns, and have participated with you in a dcj/.en 
battles. I now send you to the quiet haunts of peace, with the blood of 
the enemy upon your honored old flag scarce yet dry. In separating from 
you, I can only give you my assurance that the honor of the regiment has 
ever been my care. Our connection has been one of love, cemented by 
your bravery and noble deeds ; and in its severance I believe the regret to 
be mutual. I have always relied upon vou in e\'er\' emergency, and \'ou 
have responded with true heroism. You leave brave comrades behind 
you, stretched in death, upon all our battle-fields. You bear with vou 
the grateful feeling that }'0u have avenged them. In the histcnv of llie 
Army of the Potomac, no prouder record zvill be inscribed tJiaii vour ojoi. 

I hope to see the standard of your regiment once more raisetl. I hojje 
again to command you : till then, farewell ! And may God, in His infi- 
nite mercv, bless each and all of \n\\. 

JOS. J. BARTLETT, 

Brigadier-General, Commanding. 

After the orders were read, Gen.s. Slocum and Bartlett 
made short addresses to the men ; and when the parade was 
dismissed, we gave them three cheers — the stoutest of the 
whole term of service. 

At 3 A. M., on the 15th, the drums sounded the reveille, 
and at 5 we were packed up and on our way to Falmouth. 
The different regiments of our brigade turned out to bid us 
good-by, and as we said adieu to these weather-beaten vet- 
erans, we heartily wished the war was over, and that we 
were all going home together. Arriving at Falmouth, we 



178 RECORD OF 27tri REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

quickly boarded the cars, and a short run took us to Aquia 
Creek, where we were soon on board a steamer bound for 
Washington. About dark we reached the capital and were 
quartered in the Soldier's Retreat. The next day we spent 
in Washington, strolling about the city, until about 5 P. M., 
when we took the cars for Baltimore, where we unloaded to 
change cars, and remained the rest of the night, 

Sunday, May 17th. — At daylight we started and ran very 
slowly; passed Harrisburg about noon ; reached Williams- 
port between 4 and 5 P. M.; made a short stop, and arrived 
at Elmira about midnight. Left the cars and slept until 
morning on the platform of the depot. 

The next morning we marched to the barracks, but find- 
ing them very dirty, most of the men took board in private 
families. The three companies from I^inghamton were met 
at Elmira by a delegation of citizens and tendered an invi- 
tation to receive the hospitality of the city. The invita- 
tion was accepted. We remained in Elmira till June 5th, 
when the regiment was mustered out, and we received our 
discharge, pay, and a bounty of $100, having been in the 
service two years and twenty-eight days. Thus the 27th 
disappeared from the scene. 

We broke ranks forever, and our record passed into 
history. But few of our men, however, resumed their 
positions in civil life. Nearly every man was fit to com- 
mand a regiment, and felt that if his services as a recruit 
had been valuable to his government, as a veteran they 
would be doubly so now, and after a few weeks' rest, we 
find that nearly every man who was able-bodied had re- 
entered the service and was again found fighting the battles 
of his country. This regiment furnished a large number of 
the officers and many of the men of that fine regiment, the 
1st New York Veteran Cavalry. 

To write the subsequent history of all the 27th men, 
we would have to follow them into every army and on to 
nearly every battle-field of the war. When we say that 
these men, after the experience they had had, entluring the 
hardships, sufferings and dangers through which v. e ha\'e 



GOOD-BY TO THE 27TH. 1 79 

followed them, RE-ENLISTED, we have said enough for a 
lifetime in their praise. The 27th was indeed a noble bat- 
talion, one which won alike the compliments of its gener- 
als and the confidence of its associate regiments. During 
and since the war great esprit de corps has characterized its 
soldiers. Many of them have attained to prominence in the 
walks of peaceful life, to the great rejoicing of their com- 
rades, and many have made their final march. God give 
them rest in peace! 

THE REGIMENTAL FLAG. 

The flag of the 27th Regiment of New York Volunteers 
was the army regulation flag for infantry regiments, and was 
made of heavy silk, with bullion fringe, and handsomely 
mounted on a staff. The flag was first the property of 
Company " I," which was recruited by Capt. C. C. Gardiner, 
at Angelica ; and was presented to the company by Mrs. 
Church, widow of the late Hon. Philip Church, of Eelvi- 
dere, near Angelica, through her son, Mr. Richard Church. 
0\\ the 27th of June, 1861, Company " I " presented the 
flag to the regiment, at Elmira, and it was carried gallantly 
and without dishonor, through the two years' term of the 
regiment. The flag was many times struck by the enemy's 
shot, and large holes were made by fragments of shell. 
After the muster out, it was deposited, by the late Col. A. 
D. Adams, in the Bureau of Military Record, in the Capitol 
at Albany, and with it is the following record : — 

"The Regiment was organized at Elmira, May 21st, 1861; 
from companies raised in Binghamton, Angelica, Lyons, 
Mt. Morris, White Plains, Lima, Albion and Rochester; 
and entered the field commanded by Col. H. W. Slocum. 
The Regiment received the flag from Co. " 1," Capt. C. C. 
Gardiner, June 27th, 1 861. This Company had previously 
iicen presented with the flag by Mrs. Philip Church. It has 
been borne in the battles of First Hull Run, West Point, 
Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mill, Gold^borough's Farm, Charles 
City Cross Roads, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, Sec- 



i8o 



RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 




Flag of the 27'rH Regiment. 



ond Bull Run, Crampton's Pass, Antietam, Fredericksburir, 
and Fredericksburg Heights. The first bearer was Sergt. 
Burton Freeman, of Co. " I," who was afterwards promoted 
to be Captain of his Company. At First Bull Run two 
Corporals were severely wounded on either side of the 
Color-Bearer. At Gaines' Mill the Color-Bearer was se- 
verely wounded. At Fredericksburg Heights, the star 
now appended to the staff was literally shot out of the flag 
by a shell. The Color-Bearer in that assault, A. L. Van- 
Ness, of Co. " H," contributed it to the Bureau. Col. A. 
D. Adams transmitted the flag, after the expiration of the 
Regiment's term of service, to this Bureau." 



A GRAND WAR POEM. l8l 






Battle-Hymn of the Republic. 

Mine e\es have seen the glorv of the coming of the Lord : 
He is trampling" out the vintage where his grapes of wrath are stored 
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible, swift sword ; 
His truth is marching (jii. 

I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps ; 
Thev ha\e huilded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps ; 
I can read his righteous sentence by the dim and Ihiring lamiis: 
His day is marching on. 



I have read a fierv gospel, writ in burnished rows of steel : 
As }'e deal with my contemners, so with you my grace shall deal 
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel. 
Since God is marching on. 



He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat ; 
He is sifting out the hearts of men before his judgment-seat ; 
Oh ! be swift, my soul, to answer Him ! be jid)ilant, mv feet! 
Our God is marching on. 



In the beauty of the lilies, Christ was born across the sea. 
With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me ; 
As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free. 
While God is marching on. 

— Jiji.iA Wakij I FoVVK 



P 



CHAF»XKR VI. 

Ten Months in Rebeldom — Notes from the Diary 
OF A Bull Run Prisoner, at Richmond, Va., New 
Orleans, La., and Salisbury, N. C. 

"A 

f\ soldier of tlic legion lay dying at Algiers : 

There was lack of woman's nursing — there was dearth of woman's tears; 
But a comrade stood beside him, while the life-blood ebbed away, 
And bent, with pitying glance, to hear each word he had to say. 
The d^'ing soldier faltered, as he took that comrade's hand, 
And said, I never more shall see m}' own, m)' native land ; 
Take a message and a token to some distant friends of mine. 
For I was born at Bingen, at Bingen on the Rhine." 

These few lines form a fitting prelude to the following 
record. This pathetic story of the dying boy, among stran- 
gers of an unknown tongue, has drawn tears to the eyes of 
many a reader ; but it was reserved for the direr shock of 
later years to bring them to us in fearful realization. The 
clash of arms came, and it was the duty of every man to 
take up the task assigned him, and help to save the Nation. 
But think what a sacrifice our soldiers made in leaving 
their pleasant homes, as most of them did, at an age when 
the desire to live is strongest in the human heart, and know- 
ing that there were included in the terms of their contract, 
all the incidents of war, — the danger, privation, disease, 
wounds, imprisonment and death ; and that they must be 
prepared for any and all of these things. Yet voluntarily. 



1 84 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

aye, even cheerfully and joyfully, they accepted these con- 
ditions, took their lives in their hands, and baring their 
young breasts, made them a living rampart between their 
homes and the enemies of freedom. 

A few have returned, but many went down to death in 
the midst of the thunder and the wreck of battle, or in the 
prison pen, or in the hospital, far away from home and 
friends and help. In almost every household throughout 
the land, there are saddened memories of these dreadful 
prisons ; and if the cause for which so many sacrifices were 
made — which so many died in prison to perpetuate — was 
worth suffering for, are not the scenes through which they 
passed worthy of commemoration and remembrance in the 
hearts of their fellow-countrymen? Justice to the living 
who suffered, impartial history, and the martyred dead, 
demand a full record by survivors of these horrors. For 
this purpose, this chapter is added to our history. 

The following is the list of the names of the Twenty- 
seventh men who were in the Richmond prisons, up to 
October, 1861, most of them having been captured at the 
first Bull Run battle : 

Co. "A" — Eli Barrett, John Chamberlain, '"Charles 
Demorest, Thomas Smith. 

Co. " B " — ^A. H. Crannell. 

Co. "C" — George W. F. Fanning, George \V. Dunn, 
''V. Durand, Eugene M. Davis, William Vanalstine, '"John 
Boyden, *C. F. Yenney, "''"f- G. M .Andrews, William Barnes, 
*George Butler. 

Co. "D" — Charles W. Piatt, '^t Cyrus Pardee, ^'^f James 
V. Snedaker, Wm. Trail, John H, fiogan, * James Coon, 
James McCauley, ^^ S. A. McKune, "William Sampson, 
C. B. Fairchild. 

Co. "E"— -William II. Merrill, -William E. Hanlon, 
M. McGetrick, *John T. Clague. 



'^ Indicates those who were wounded, 
f Indicates those who died in prison. 



HOW WE WERE CAPTURED. 1 85 

Co. "F" — ^ Edgar H, Warner, Reuben A. Wright, 
N. A. Corson, Wm. VanValkenburg, Edwin M. Watrous, 
T. H. Yates, John Kearn. 

Co. "G" — A.H.Hunt, fAnnenius M. Hunt, Tyler J. 
Briggs, VVm Hall, * Gardner W. Agard, "''' Edwin E. Bond, 
*J. Butler, '""Solomon Wood, William Mileham, John 
Merritt. 

Co. " H "—Harlan Boyd, Geo. Stout, Wm. W. Aplin, 
James Donahue, *f Joseph R. Johnson, '''William Welch, 
C. H. Hunt, William Briggs. 

Co. "I" — Jeremiah K. Reading, F. D. Clark, John H. 
Crandall, * James G. Wellman, Judson S. Oliver, Lawrence 
Powers, * James O. Andrews, Charles W. Berry, fj. W. 
Bishop. 

Co. " K " — Orson T. Jewett, James Tucker, Henry S. 
Wells, J. L. Mudge, Volney Mudge, f Charles W. Tibbitts, 
John C. Fowler, Charles Dwinnell, Henry L. Van Dresser. 

Having assisted several of my wounded comrades to 
seek shelter in the cellar of the stone house, and having 
stanched their wounds with lint and bandages made from 
some havelocks ; and, moved by their agonizing cries for 
" Water ! water !" and their entreaties for some one to re- 
main with them, I tarried till it was too late to make my 
own escape. No words can adequately depict the fears of 
these wounded men as to the treatment they would receive, 
if they should fall into the hands of the enemy. They 
expected to be bayoneted on the spot. They would not 
at first drink the water from a spring found in one corner 
of the cellar, because they feared the rebels had poisoned 
the water. And not until I had made two wounded rebel 
soldiers (who had also been taken into the cellar), drink 
some of the water, would they be convinced that it was 
safe for them to drink it. All the time the stone house was 
a target for the rebels, and the rattle of musket balls against 
the walls of the building was almost incessant, and some of 
them came through the windows, wounding three of the 
men the second time. 



1 86 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. V. VOLS. 

Several cannon shot also passed through the building, 
and one took off the top of the chimney, the bricks and 
mortar coming down inside, and nearly burying the two 
wounded rebels, who had crawled into the fireplace for 
safety. 

At the distance of about two rods from the building, on 
the rebel side, was a well ; and though the wounded were 
perishing with thirst, very few dared to go out for water ; 
but one noble fellow ^whose name I regret that I have for- 
gotten), took two canteens and went out to obtain water. 
While so doing, he received five or six musket balls, in dif- 
ferent portions of his body, from the rebel forces, yet was 
not fatally injured, and survived the battle — to become a 
prisoner in Richmond. lie will ever be re:nembered with 
gratitude by those who witnessed his noble conduct, and 
shared in the benefits of his exploit. About fifty men were 
killed in the immediate vicinity of the " old stone house." 
After our forces were on the retreat, a body of troops sur- 
rounded the stone building, entered with ba)'onets, and de- 
manded our surrender I No resistance was made, and no 
violence was offered to the prisoners. They demanded our 
arms, and ordered those of us not too severely wounded to 
form in a line. Some of us had taken the precaution to 
bend our muskets, and also to remove the chamber from 
our revolvers. We were, soon after, marched up the hill to 
a large white house, which was the headquarters of Gen. 
Beauregard. We remained here a short time ; and while 
lying on the ground. Gens. Beauregard and Johnson, and 
Jeff. Davis rode up and surveyed their captives, their faces 
illumined with joy and exultation. A few of our men be- 
gan to make inquiries for a revolver, and could one have 
been found, some of those saddles would have been sud- 
denly emptied ! 

We were marched five miles to Manassas Junction that 
night, where we remained till 3 o'clock the next day. It 
rained all night, and we had no cover, and nothing of any 
account to eat. We were kept standing in an open space — 
a solid mass of men ; and what little food was given us. 



THE FIRST TOBACCO WAREHOUSE PRISON. 1 87 

was thrown into the pen, and most of it trampled into the 
mud before we could get it. We were put on board of box 
cars and taken to Richmond, where we arrived at about 
8 o'clock on the evening of the 23d of July, 1861. 

We were marched through the streets, under a strong 
guard to protect us from the violence of the mob, who, 
flushed with their recent victory, were armed with clubs, 
bricks and stones, and followed us with scoffs and curses. 
The march brought us to Harwood's large tobacco factory, 
on Main street, near Twenty-fifth street, which with several 
other similar buildings, afterwards became famous (ov 
rather infamous) under the name of Libby Prison. 

July 25th. — Have had a good night's rest. Slept on the 
bare floor, without any blankets. It is terribly tiresome 
being shut up here in this building, which is 108 feet long, 
40 feet wide, and three stories high. Water is very scarce 
and poor ; we cannot get enough to drink, and none to 
wash or to bathe in. From our prison windows we can 
look out on the James River, to the south. On the 
west we can look over the city, see the capitol building, 
and a secesh flag waving at each end. It makes us feel 
rather down-hearted to think we cannot get out and pull 
them down. The men keep up as good spirits as possible, 
but are all longing to return to their regiments. \Wc hope 
to be let off soon. 

Sunday. — To-day we had service in our quarters, con- 
ducted by an Episcopal minister. A great many people 
came in to see us. We had three meals to-day, served at 
9, 3, and 10 o'clock — fashionable hours, we think. Food is 
very scarce in Richmond. The people are anxious to get 
rici of us, or make us earn our own living. The papers are 
full of plans for treating us badly. They threaten to make 
us work on the fortifications or in the coal mines. All these 
schemes keep us worrying for our safety. 

July 26th. — Slept well during the night ; am getting ac- 
customed to bunking on the bare floor. My health is 
good, but we are very weak from having no exercise and 
very little food. A new quartermaster was appointed to- 



I 
l88 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENr N, Y. VOLS, 

day ; his name is Warner, a Northern man, from Ohio. He 
pretends to be a rebel, that he may collect some money due 
him in Richmond. He gives us more to eat. Our rations 
are : pork, bread and coffee for breakfast ; bread, pork and 
rice for dinner ; coffee with bread and pork for supper. 

July 27th. — Have formed a new arrangement in regard to 
giving out the rations. Till now, the food has been 
brought in in buckets and thrown in heaps on the floor. 
The men were so ravenous that they would dive in and get 
all they could, and trample much of it under foot, so that 
many would get none. We have formed into squads of 
fifty, and one man is chosen to draw and distribute the ra- 
tions for the fifty. All are made to sit down on the floor 
in their places, and every man is given an equal ration. 

Sunday, July 28th. — This is a beautiful day, but there is 
no regard for the Sabbath. Many of the men are playing 
cards and gambling, and other sports are going on the 
same as on a w^eek day. We have no books to read. Gen. 
Winder, Provost Marshal of the city, says he will not allow 
any books except the Bible. I spend a good deal of my 
time reading my Testament, which is a great comfort to 
me. We are all very anxious to get out of this terrible 
place ; the confinement is almost beyond endurance. We 
are very weak, and our minds seem to be in a half-dormant 
state, so we cannot fully realize our condition. I find great 
comfort in prayer. I feel that God is very near to me, and 
that in His own good time He will bring me out of trouble. 
Many of the men are getting sick. Water is very scarce, 
none to wash in. The men are very filthy and are covered 
with vermin. It is with great difificulty we can get out to 
the sinks, which are situated in the yard. Only two are 
allowed to go from the building at a time, and it takes 
nearly all day to get out. We have been obliged to use 
one end of the first floor and it is covered several inches 
thick with filth. It is tedious being shut up here, but I do 
not complain, and am not sorry that I enlisted. I hope I 
shall have a chance to try it over again. 

The quartermaster still feeds us pretty well, but many of 



A STRIKING RESEMBLANCE. 1 89 

the guards are cruel and harsh. Several times they have 
shot at the men who were standing near the windows. 
This morning a ball came through the floor not far from 
where I was sitting. It had been fired into the window of 
the room below. 

July 30th. — To-day I have formed the acquaintance of a 
young man by the name of Trowbridge, of the 2d Wiscon- 
sin regiment, and find that he is a cousin of a school-mate 
of mine. He looks so much like her that when I first saw 
him I asked him if he was a relative. He is sick to-day, and 
I am taking care of him. 

Many of the boys are writing letters home to-day. We 
do not know whether our letters go through the lines or 
not. If my parents knew what had become of me, I 
would be more contented. I hope they will soon hear 
where I am. May God sustain them, and may I be able to 
see them again. (After the battle my name was given in 
the list of killed, and it was several months before my pa- 
rents knew that I was alive.) 

The weather is very warm, and we are more and more 
afflicted with vermin. A great many of the men are sick. 
I fear we shall all die if we are left here much longer. 
Charley Piatt, a member of my company, was taken to the 
hospital to-day. It is terrible to be sick here. 

Wednesday, July 31st. — The weather still continues very 
hot. More of the men are getting sick. I continually 
think of home and of what our folks are doing. Haying and 
harvesting are now over ; the barns are full ; fruit must be 
abundant. But we are shut up here, our friends not know- 
ing whether we are dead or alive. If I could only hear 
from them, it would do my soul good. I wonder what 
they think has become of me, and if mother worries about 
me. If this trouble could only be settled ! God grant 
that it may be, that we may return to our homes and live 
in peace, and this nation become a great and happy one. 
How is it possible that such a state of feeling as now exists 
could have sprung up? Why did God permit it? We 
cannot see now, but He has some wise end in view. May 



190 RECORD Ob 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

that end speedily come. I am willing to wait His time and 
not complain. I will not say aught against His dealings 
with me, for " He doeth all things well." He suffered His 
ancient people to go into slavery and trouble, and even His 
own Son to die. But they vvere made soon to triumpli 
over their enemies and dwell in peace. Will he not dt) so 
with us? We have the promise in His Word. And may 
the lesson which God would teach us by this reverse of 
fortune be understood by us, and we come out as silver 
from the furnace, refined and purified, more perfectly fitted 
to do our Master's will. I love Him more and more every 
day, and I will try to continue in His love as long as I live, 
that at the end I may not be found wanting, but ready to 
die and go to my heavenly home. 

Time passes away rather fast but drearily. We have 
succeeded in getting a few books, and I am now reading a 
volume of Anderson's Travels in South Africa. One of the 
men has been allowed to go into the city and has bought a 
quantity of apples, crackers and nicknacks to sell to the 
boys. These are purchased quickly by those who have 
money, and the edibles are eagerly devoured. 

August 1st. — Yesterday was the hottest day of the season 
since we came here ; we could scarcely breathe, and it is 
very warm and muggy this morning. Rumor says that 
some of us are to be removed to another building to-day. 
I hope it will be done, for there are 332 men on this floor, 
which is 108 x40ft., a floor space of 2x6 ft. to each man. 
We have to bring water a long distance in buckets, and 
suffer a great deal for lack of enough to drink and wash in. 
Another of our men was shot at this morning while sitting 
in the window. This makes the fifth time that shots have 
been fired into this building, but no one has been hurt yet, 
although the balls came right among us. We hope to have 
revenge on these cowardly fellows some time, although we 
would gladly forgive them if it would do any good. 

Arrangements having been made for another building, 
fifty of the prisoners were taken over this forenoon to clean 
it, and another squad of fifty have been over this afternoon. 



A NEW PRISON OPfeNfetl. I9I 

I went with them and helped to sweep and remove rubbish 
from the room. This, too, is a tobacco factory, and we 
found large quantities of good tobacco, of all kinds. I per- 
suaded the of^cers in charge to let the boys from our regi- 
ment move into this building, which is just across the street 
from our former quarters, where we occupy the second 
floor. Just at night we came over, together with the men 
of the 2d Wisconsin and ist Massachusetts, in all about 
seventy men. These quarters are much cleaner and more 
pleasant than the old ones, and we are very lucky to get 
them. This room is well lighted with gas, so that our 
evenings are pleasant, and it has also twelve large win- 
dows, and is 40x60 ft. in size. On one side is a large tub, 
and a hydrant that brings river water, so that we can wash, 
and each man is cleaning himself up. This is the first time 
since the battle that we have had water enough to wash in. 

Quartermaster Warner has charge of all the cooking and 
feeding arrangements, but the cooking is done by eight or 
ten darkies. The coffee, meat and rice are boiled in large 
iron kettles, holding nine gallons each, and there are about 
thirty of these kettles. 

August 2d. — I have had a good night's rest in our new 
quarters. We had no supper last night, and there is no 
prospect of any breakfast this morning. We are getting 
very hungry. I am feeling well this morning, and 1 hope I 
may continue to enjoy good health, for it is discouraging to 
be sick here. We hope to go home soon, though there is. 
no prospect of it now. The people here say that they are 
willing to exchange prisoners, if President Lincoln will. 
We hope he will, for we think it would be better for our 
cause than to leave us here, doing no good ; but we trust 
his policy is a good one. 

There appears to be but little business going on in the 
city now. All the tobacco factories are stopped, as there 
is no demand for the article outside of the city, on account 
of the blockade, which is injuring them very much. 

Breakfast has finally come, about 1 1 o'clock, consisting 
of bread and coffee. Many wounded prisoners were brought 



t92 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y, VOLS. 

in during the night, and, having to be fed, occasioned the 
delay of our breakfast. We are to have but two meal;; a 
day after this. Our supper, of bread and meat, came about 
5 o'clock. 

To-day we have adopted a code of rules for our personal 
cleanliness, and a police force has been elected to enforce 
these rules. Every man is required to take off all his cloth- 
ing twice a day, and carefully search the seams, and kill all 
the body lice. So we hope to keep quite clean now. 

We can get the city papers at our quarters, for five cents 
apiece, but they are so rabid and lie so much, that we hate 
to read them. We do not know anything of what is going 
on in the country, or what is to be done with us. 

August 3d. — Several of our men are quite sick We had 
breakfast about 10 o'clock, of bread and coffee. We get 
half a loaf of bread apiece, and have to go rather hungry 
now-a-days, because there are so many here to feed. More 
are coming all the time. I think they will soon get tired 
of keeping us, for grub is very scarce. There is some talk 
that we are to be sent further south, but we hope it is not so. 
The rebel papers report that their prisoners at the North 
are treated very cruelly, but we do not believe it. More 
wounded were brought in last night, and placed in the 
building we first occupied, — so that about 130 more men 
were brought over from there to this building, making our 
quarters very crowded. How we wish we could get hold 
of some school books, or more books to read, that we might 
improve our time in studying, but we fear it will be impos- 
sible to do it. 

Sunday, Aug. 4th. — The most of the men are very quiet 
this morning, but many are regardless of the Sabbath. I 
had wished several times this morning that we might have 
preaching in the prison to-day, when about eleven o'clock a 
rough-looking man came in and said : " We will have divine 
service." At first I thought he was some stranger from the 
city, but he proved to be the Rev. Hiram Eddy, of Litch- 
field, Conn., Chaplain of the 2d Connecticut Regiment. 
The services were opened with singing by the men. After 



NURSING A -WOUNDED COMRADE. I93 

this a prayer, and a more earnest one 1 never heard. The 
men Were quite still during the prayer, which compre- 
hended all that our circumstances would suggest. Aftei' 
prayer, he read the 14th Chapter of St. John, with com- 
ments, and then took his text from the first verse of the 
same chapter. He spoke at some length, and held the un- 
divided attention of the men. It was the most interesting 
and deHghtful hour of worship I ever spent — the talk and 
the chapter applying so well to our circumstances, were 
very affecting. He urged all to accept Christ, read the 
Bible and be saved. Nearly all the men seemed affected, 
and must have profited by the sermon. It seemed like 
church at home, and made us more contented here, more 
willing to wait God's time to bring us out and return us to 
our friends, who must be very anxious about us. After 
service I had a very pleasant chat with the preacher. God 
grant that much good may be done here, and that all the 
men may learn to reverence their God. For since we feel 
God's presence, we can be happy. 

About 5 o'clock seventy more prisoners were brought in, 
increasing the number on our floor to one hundred, so that 
we are somewhat crowded, but we shall have to put up 
with it. 

At 6 o'clock I was requested to go to the hospital and 
help take care of Sergeant Wellman, of Co. " I," of our 
regiment. I found he was wounded in the leg, below the 
knee. I remained with him all night. I also found in the 
same building (the one we first occupied) S. A. McKune 
and Will. Sampson, of Co. " D." McKune was wounded in 
the abdomen, the ball passing in a slanting direction across 
his body. I think he will soon recover. Sampson was hit 
in the ankle, and has a dangerous wound. I also found 
four others there from our regiment, all badly wounded. 
As I had had nothing to eat for a day before coming into 
the hospital, the bad smell from the putrid wounds made 
me very sick, but I kept on with my work till morning. 

I Monday, August 4th. — I returned from the hospital 
about 10 'clock, sick and hungry, not having had anything 



194 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

to eat. We did not get breakfast till nearly noon, then had 
some meat, rice and mush. Nothing more till 12 o'clock at 
night, when some meat and bread were brought in to us. It 
looks as though they want to starve us to death. They 
say that food is very scarce in the city. As prisoners of 
war we are treated very shamefully. We fast so much we 
are very weak, and it will take years for us to recover from 
the effects of prison life I have been quite ill all day, but 
hope soon to recover. 

August 6th. — I am a little better than I was yesterday. 
My comrade. Charley Trowbridge, takes good care of me. 
It is now nearly 12 o'clock, and nothing to eat yet. I am 
afraid we shall all starve to death. God forgive them for 
treating us so. Breakfast came about noon — some coffee, 
rice and mush. We had supper about eight — a very small 
supply of meat and rice. 

August 8th. — One of our men, by the name of Crandall, 
is sick with the measles. Our wounded are mostly doing 
well. Oh ! iiow we long to go home ; we shall appreciate 
home if we ever return. The men are getting very dirty 
and lousy, some are completely covered with vermin. It is 
with great difficulty that I can keep myself free from them. 
I am a good deal worse to-day than I have been ; the more 
I doctor the worse I seem to get. We have had enough to 
eat to-day, for a wonder. 

August 9th. — I rested quite well during the night, and 
we have had a very good breakfast this morning, of meat, 
bread and coffee. Those who have money live first-rate, 
for they can send out by the guards and buy fruits or any- 
thing they wish. The men find all the tobacco they want 
in the upper rooms of the prison. Several boxes of plug 
and twist have been opened to-day. 

The weather is very warm, and the wounded are dying 
off fast. We had supper about S o'clock, and then all lay 
down for the night. It is a funny sight to see so many men 
stretched out on the floor. There are so many of us that 
when we lie down the floor is completely covered. One 
cannot cross the room without walking on the men. 



RUMOR THAT WE ARE TO BE EXCHANGED. 1 95 

There are many rumors as to what may be done with us. 
One is that we are to be sent to work in the coal mines ; 
another, that we shall be taken further south in a clay or 
two ; and still another, that we are to be sent home soon on 
a parole of honor. The time set for this happy event is 
Monday next. Of course we do not credit this, but let it 
go the way it came. 

August loth. — I am quite well to-day, for which I am 
truly thankful. We hope that the government will soon 
see fit to exchange prisoners, for we are doing no good 
here. But as we do not know the policy of our govern- 
ment, we will not complain, but bide our time. 

Orderly Davis, from Co. " C," came over to our quarters 
to-day. He says there are six or eight of our boys with 
him in another prison. So there must be fifty or sixty of 
our regiment prisoners, wounded and all. 

Sunday, August i ith.— Three weeks have passed since 
the memorable battle, and we are still here in prison, pass- 
ing away our time to no purpose. Amid the noise and 
bustle of a hundred men, it is hard to keep the Sabbath. 
What a luxury it would be to be alone for a little while, but 
not for one moment can one escape from the crowd of noisy 
men. 

Mr. Eddy came in and preached to us to-day, and we had 
a delightful hour of worship. The men were very atten- 
tive, and all passed quietly. His text was, "God is Love." 
He spoke exceedingly well, and the service did us a great 
deal of good. We went back, in imagination, to the old 
church at home, where we had so often heard the " Word 
of Life ;" and where perhaps, at this very time, our friends 
were worshiping, and earnestly praying for us ; for we felt 
that God was very near, comforting us by his Holy Spirit. 
I am room orderly to-day, and have had a great deal to do, 
cleaning the floor and keeping it in order. Some of our 
doctors have been sent home today, on parole. They were 
granted this favor for an act of kindness to a wounded 
rebel colonel. It seems hard to light against our brethren, 
but when we see their acts of treason, it is a great incentive 



196 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

to action. But I think this trouble could have been settled 
without blood-shed, and I hope there will be no nnore fight- 
ing. But the right will triumph. May God prosper the 
right, and all be well. 

August 1 2th. — After breakfast I got the guatdsto pass me 
to No. I Hospital. Here I found three wounded men from 
our regiment — Corp. Wood, one of the color-guard who was 
shot through the hand, and a man by the name of Bond, 
from Co. " I." I remained with them a short time, and 
then went over to the other hospital, where McKune and 
Sampson are. I found them doing well. The doctors 
wanted more help in the hospital ; so I volunteered as a 
nurse. I went back to my quarters, got my coat and things, 
and returned to the hospital, where I am now, beside 
McKune's cot, writing by the gas light. There are one hun- 
dred wounded men on this floor. Most of them are doing 
well. One man died this afternoon. He belonged to the 
2d Rhode Island Regiment. He has been deranged several 
days, and has suffered a great deal. He was a long time 
dying. It seemed sad to see him go. We have had preach- 
ing in the hospital to-day, by an Episcopal minister, — the 
same one who preached when we first came here. One of 
the men died just as he finished talking. Twelve men were 
sent home on parole to-day. I sent a letter by them. 

August 13th. — It is 9 P. M. I have had a hard day's work, 
and have just finished. I have had enough to eat, and my 
health is excellent. Nearly all the wounded are doing well. 
One man died last night. Besides nursing the wounded, I 
have assisted in cleaning the floor of the third story, where 
the nurses and sick are quartered. This hospital is the 
building where we were quartered when we came to the city. 
A rebel soldier died to-day, in a hospital which is just across 
the street from ours. On the hearse that carried the body 
out for burial were four small secesh flags. This is going 
it big, we think. Wonder if he will change his colors when 
he gets on the other side ! Mr. Eddy has been in to see the 
wounded. 1 had a pleasant chat with him. 1 am tired, and 
must go to bed. Good-night. I sleep on the bare floor, 



DEATH OF COMRADE PRESCOTT. I97 

with my boots for a pillow, beside McKune's cot. Most of 
the wounded are provided with cots and mattresses. 

August 15th. — One poor fellow died to-day, by the name 
of Jacob Sparahall, from the 4th Maine Regiment. I think 
another will die to-night, for he is but just alive. The rest 
seen; to be doing well. McKune and Sampson are gaining. 
Reports of another battle are prevalent, but we cannot get 
any particulars. The wounded soldier mentioned above 
died during the night. He was one of the 14th Brooklyn 
Regiment, by the name of Charles R. Prescott. He was a 
very intelligent and well educated man. His leg had been 
amputated twice, but the operation was badly performed : 
it was taken off near the hip, and the bone left several 
inches bare. He lived five days on nothing but whiskey, 
suffering a great deal. Death, for which he had long prayed, 
finally came and released him from his suffering. 

August i6th. — Several prisoners, that had escaped, have 
been recaptured and put in irons to-day. This is rather 
hard. We do not see why our government does not ex- 
change prisoners. We see nothing to hinder it. Many of 
the men are getting sick, and we are all very anxious to get 
back to our regiments. One of the wounded men received 
a letter from his brother to-day. Oh ! how I wish I could 
hear from my home. 

Sunday, August i8th. — To-day I had a talk about religion 
with one of the wounded boys from our regiment, by the 
name of Johnson. He is badly wounded in the thigh, and 
I fear he will not live long. He seems to be serious, and 
tries to repent. His father is a Presbyterian minister, living 
near Syracuse, N. Y. 

August 20th. — Death, with his arrow, has again entered 
the hospital, and cut down two of our number. Two strong 
men have survived their injuries four long weeks, but at last 
they have died. Joseph Campbell, of Co. " C," 14th Brook- 
lyn, has gone to his long home. He trusted in Christ, re- 
pented, and has gone to meet Him in heaven. He has suf- 
fered a great deal, and died hard ; but we never heard him 
complain. His home is 142 Plymouth St., Brooklyn, N. Y. 



19^ RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. V. VOLS. 

August 2 1 St. — Another man has died to-day. He was 
wounded in the thigh, — the whole fleshy part of his hip was 
carried away by a cannon ball. His leg was not broken, 
but the veins sloughed off, and he bled to death. 

August 22d. — I am doing all I can in the hospital for the 
wounded. Many of the prisoners are getting sick. I fear 
that some malady may break out among them. All the 
wounded from our regiment are doing well, except John- 
son. For a couple of days he has been out of his head, 
and he thinks he sees his mother, brother and sister near 
him, and tries to speak to them — often wishes me to call 
them to him. I think he will not live through the night. It 
seems hard to die now, aftei having lived so long since the 
battle. I sat down by his cot about <S o'clock, and thought 
him dying then. His pulse had ceased, and the cold sweat 
stood in thick drops on his brow. He lay in this state some 
time, breathing very short. I thought him dying, but we 
raised his head and gave him water. The water seemed to 
revive him, his pulse beat again and his limbs became 
warm. He seemed easier after this and slept a short time, 
but kept muttering broken sentences, only a few words of 
which I could understand. He repeatedly commenced the 
Lord's Prayer, but could only say a few words when his 
mind would wander, and he would seem to be speaking to 
his mother and his sister, but his meaning we could not 
make out. About 3 o'clock he passed away and his body 
was carried out. I think from what he told me before his 
mind wandered, and from what he said afterward, that his 
heart had been changed and that he died happy. He suf- 
fered very much from his wound, but had as good care as 
we could give him here. His wound was so bad that we 
could not move him, and his clothes had not been taken off 
since he was wounded. The doctors fixed his leg in a 
sling suspended by cords from the ceiling, so that it could 
be dressed. He was not strong enough to undergo an am- 
putation. I have the things that were found on his per- 
son, a prayer-book and several letters, which I shall en- 
deavor to send to his friends, if I live to get out of prison- 



I 



PROMOTED TO A BETTER PLACE 1 99 

The book was a present from his mother. His name and 
date of receiving this parting gift are on the fly-leaf. May 
God comfort the mother ! 

r. S. After reaching home, I sent the things to his 
mother. She came to see me, and has written me a letter 
every year since. 

August 23d. — I awoke this morning feeling very sick. 
The steward directed me to take a drink of whiskey, which 
made me feel better. This is the first liquor 1 ever drank. 
I have had to work hard all day and am very tired to-night. 
My work consists in removing the bandages, cleansing the 
wounds, replacing the dressings, and feeding and nursing 
the helpless ones. I prefer this work to lying idle in the 
prison. 

Some of the rebel reserve guard got to fighting among 
themselves last night, and killed one of their sergeants — his 
name was Hamilton. He had put one of his men in irons, 
for some breach of discipline, and when he went to lock 
him in the guard-room, the fellow seized a musket and let 
drive at him, the charge passing through his body. 

August 27th. — To-day I have had a falling out with the 
old sergeant who is acting steward of our ward, or rather he 
has with me. He is a very cross, crabbed old chick, and 
got jealous of me because I took too good care of some 
of the men. He told me to leave the hospital, which I 
did. But when one of our doctors came in, the boys all 
took my part and told him the circumstances. He sent for 
me and took me over to headquarters, and told the rebel 
doctor that he wanted him to appoint me superintendent 
of the hospital cook-house. This was done, and I am to go 
into the hospital and carry things to the boys whenever I 
like, and also have a pass to visit any of the other prisons. 
The cooking is all done in the open yard without shelter. 
We have to make great quantities of beef tea for the 
wounded. The work is very hard, but we get plenty to 
eat and enjoy the luxury of being in the fresh air. 

Sunday, September ist. — Have worked the same as on a 



200 RFXORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

week day. Another man died to-day — Charles Durant, 
from Rochester. He was sick with fever. 

September 2d. — We have made but one kettle of beef 
tea to-day, and in the other we cooked a mess of beef, cab- 
bage and potatoes, for the wounded — got them up a regu- 
lar farmers' dinner. The cooking is done in two large iron 
kettles, holding about ninety gallons each. This supplies 
all the hospitals. I get a little time each day to cook a 
beefsteak and roast a few potatoes for some of my friends 
in the hospital 

September 3d. — To-day some of our men who have been 
treated in the general hospital, which is further up town, 
have been brought down to our building. They have 
nearly all recovered from their wounds. Among them was 
George Coon, from Co. " D." He told me that Pardee and 
Snedaker, both from the same compan}% had died of their 
wounds, in the general hospital. 

September loth. — The same routine of daily work in the 
cook house continues. To-day one hundred and fifty of 
the prisoners have been sent to Charleston, S. C, twenty- 
seven of them officers, and among them Col. Corcoran, of 
the 69th. It is rumored that others will go soon. 

September 1 ith. — One of the assistants in the cook-house 
was among the men sent off to the South yesterday, and I 
asked the quartermaster to detail my friend Charley Trow- 
bridge to assist in the work, and he is now with us. Soon 
after I left the piison and came to the hospital, Charley, 
with a number of others, was moved to another building, a 
factory in the lower part of the city. Here they suffered 
still more for the want of rations than before I left them ; 
and sometimes when he would come with others to head- 
Cjuarters to draw rations for his comrades, I would give him 
an extra loaf, some sugar, coffee, etc. After a little, he was 
not able to come, so he sometimes sent his haversack, ac- 
companied by a note. The following is a copy of one : 



IS IT EVER RIGHT TO STEAL? 20I 

Richmond, Sept. 6 — Friday Eve. 

Fkik.mi CiiARLiK: — I write you these few lines, hoping that you will 

do something for a poor body that is about half starved. I do not uphold 

a man in stealing. Still I do not think it woidd be laid up against him 

for stealing something to eat,— that is, if he were as hungry as I have been 

for the last three or four days ; consequently I am going to call on you. 

If ) (,)u cannot get it without stealing it, I want you should take it. I send 

you my haversack, which you can send back b}' the upper floor squad. 

I cannot get the chance to come after rations every time. When you see 

this haversack coming, please look at it, and think that I am hungry. 

Hunger compels nic to write this. 

Your friend, 

C. E. TROWBRIDGE. 

P. S. — Gan't you get me a chance to help you around the kettles? 
I want to get out into the open air. 

We loved each other like brothers, and of course I never 
let his haversack go back empty. 

September 13th. — Work the same as before. Another 
man died yesterday, by the name of Bailey; and another 
to-day, from our regiment, A. M. Hunt, of Co. "G." I went 
up to see him a short time before he died. 1 found him in 
a small attic room of the hospital, where it was close and 
hot. He was sick with fever. He had been out of his 
head for some time, but seemed to know me. He has had 
very poor care, and has been much neglected. I got water 
and washed him, and moistened his parched lips, and gave 
him drink ; then combed his hair, and drove away the swarms 
of flies that were tormenting him. He seemed very grate- 
ful to me ; reached his arms around my neck and drew 
me close to him, but he could not speak. I remained with 
him as long as 1 could, and then made some of the other 
boys promise to care for him. Poor fellow ! he soon died, 
and now sleeps in one of those unknown graves, among 
the thousands that went down to death from those vile 
Southern prisons. 

One remark about these dying men : They retained their 
hope of life up to the hour of dying. They did not give up. 



202 RECORD OF 37TH REGIMENT N. V. VOLS. 

There is another thing I wish to state : All the men, with- 
out any exception among the thousands that I have asso- 
ciated with, have never in a single instance expressed regret 
that they entered their country's service. They have been 
the most loyal, devoted and earnest men ; even on the last 
days of their lives they have said, that all they hoped for, 
was just to live and enter the service again, and meet their 
foes. It is a most glorious record in reference to the devo- 
tion of our men to their country. I do not think their pat- 
riotism h; s ever been equaled in the history of the world. 
There was no time during our term of imprisonment that 
we could not have been free by taking an oath of allegiance 
to the Confederate States. Agents were constantly coming 
to the prison to induce mechanics to come out and work at 
their trades. Shoe manufacturers and other tradesmen 
were anxious to get more workmen, and promised good 
wages, plenty to eat, and constant employment. But none, 
of the men were moved by such inducements. 

September 14th. — To-day 1 have had to move my sleep- 
ing c]uarters from the floor in the hospital, to No. i Prison, 
on the same floor with Davis and Dunn, of Co. " C," 27th. 
On leaving, McKune gave me one of his blankets, a gift of 
which I am very proud, as a bare floor is not the best bed 
in the world. 

September 19th. — Several of the men ran away last night, 
and the officers seem to suspect that I have had something 
to do with the escape of so many men of late, and will 
allow none of the cooks in the yard ; but the cooking is 
hereafter to be done by the negro prisoners, who are 
allowed to go "where they please. So I have to remain in 
No. I Prison. Upon reflection, I think the suspicion of the 
officers was not entirely incorrect. Sometimes, when quite 
a squad of the prisoners would come down to draw rations, 
one or more of them would slip into the storehouse and 
hide among the barrels and boxes. At night I would lock 
them in, and after dark they would raise the back window, 
which opened outside the guard-line, and make their 
escape. 



fUlR ORGANIZATION IN PRISON. 20^ 

While ill No. I Prison, I joined the " Richmond Prison 
.Vssociation," a club for fun and mutual improvement. Of 
course such an association should have a seal, sign and 
motto; and what more natural than that we should select 
as a coat of arms for our seal, our constant companion, the 
" body louse." So, a skillful engraver was set to work, and 
on a piece of bone the size of half a dollar, two rows of 
body lice were carved around the margin, under which 
was, " Richmond Prison Association," and in the center the 
motto, " Bite and be damned." Then we had a sign, 
which was to scratch under the arm with vigor. We would 
often sing our prison song, only the last verse of which I 
will quote : 

" And when wc arrive in the land uf the free, 
The}' will smile and welcome us joyfidlv ; 
.'Vnd when we think of the Rebel band, 

We'll repeat our motto, Bite, and be dainiicd !" 




Up to this time Gen. Winder has been Provost Marshal 
of Richmond, and under him is Lieut. Todd, a brother of 
Mrs. Lincoln, who has immediate charge of the prisoners. 
Me has two assistants, Lieut. Emac and Sergeant Wirtz 
(also spelled Wirz, Wurz). 

Lieut. Emac was a West Point graduate, and he and 
Wirtz were connected with the two companies of United 
States soldiers now guarding us. These two companies 
were stationed in Richmond at the breaking out of the war, 
and went over in a body to the Confederate States. 

(It will be remembered that after the close of the war 
Wirtz was tried, condemned and executed by our govern- 
ment, it having been proved that he had killed some of the 
prisoners while in command at Andersonville.j 



204 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

Lieut. Todd is vicious and brutal in his treatment of the 
prisoners, and seldom enters the prison without grossly in- 
sulting some of the men. He always comes in with a 
drawn sword in his hand, and his voice and manner indi- 
cate his desire to commit some cruel wrong. I have 
seen him strike a wounded prisoner who was lying on the 
floor, and cut a heavy gash across hi-, thigh with his sword. 

After a time Todd was sent to the front, and was at to- 
wards killed in battle. Two other brothers of Mrs Lin- 
coln were also killed while in the Confederate service. 

Whenever we go too near the window we are likely to he 
fired at by the guard. The first man killed by tl-ic guaid 
was private M. C. Beck, of the 79th Regiment. He was 
instcUitly killed while he was hanging his blanket up by the 
window. The next was R. Gleason, of the New York h'ire 
Zouaves, who was killed while looking froni the window. 
The guard is said to have remarked, as he leveled his mus- 
ket: " See me take that Zouave in the eye!" The 

ball entered his forehead and he instantly fell — dead ! Four 
others were seriously wounded in this manner, and Charles 
W. Tibbetts, of Co. " K," of our regiment, was instantly 
killed by a guard in a most cruel manner. The prisoners 
are permitted to visit in couples an out-house in the prison 
yard, and Tibbetts and companion were going thither inside 
the guard-line, when a sentinel on the opposite side of the 
street raised his piece and fired at them. The ball passed 
through the breast of Tibbetts and wounded his compan- 
ion in the arm. The indignation of the prisoners towards 
these skulking and cowardly assassins can find no ade- 
quate expression. Yet as the bleeding forms of their mur- 
dered comrades are, one after another, borne from their 
presence to the " negro burying ground," they feel that a 
day of retribution, however long deferred, will surely come. 
It is even said that the guards are promised promotion if 
they shoot a prisoner. 

No menagerie was ever regarded with more general inter- 
est and curiosity in a country village than are the Union 
prisoners in the tobacco warehouses of Richmond. They 



HARWOOD S TORACCX^ WAREHOUSE. 



205 



arc the standard attraction of people of both sexes, all 
ages, and every variety of shade. On Sundays, more par- 
ticularly, the citizens turn out in squads, and from morn- 
ing till night the street is blockaded with eager spectators. 




lliiiiilTi 

I 01 1 13 g 'VI . 




RICHMOND TOHACCO WAREHOUSE — PRISON NO. 1. 

Prison No. I is a loft\' building, three stories in height, 
its interior dimensions being 70 feet in length by 26 in 
width. The second and third stories are occupied by 
private soldiers (cautured at Bull Run), and the lower floor 
by the commissioned officers and a number of civilians, 
among whom is the Hon. Alfred Ely. It is the most 
crowded and filth)- piison ni all; there are 130 and often 
150 men on one floor. .A.t night the prisoners stretch 
themselves upon the bare floor, uncovered ; and at meal 
time they sit upon the floor, ranged against the walls, and 
devour whatever they can get. 

One cannot conceive a more gloomy and revolting spec- 
tacle than a look into these filthy quarters. Imagine a 
hundred haggard faces and emaciated forms — some with 
hair and beard of three months' growth— so miserably 
clothed, in general, as to scarcely serve the purposes of 
decency, and many limping from the pain of unhealed 
wounds, and some faint conception may be obtained of our 
wretched condition. 

The " standard bill of fare," which has now been adopted, 
is as follows : About nine o'clock we receive our morning 
ration of bread, beef and water, about half as much as a 



L. 



2o6 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

well man would naturally require. Our second and only 
other meal is received about 4 o'clock, and consists of bread, 
and soup made from the water in which the beef was 
boiled. The prisoners, sick or well, are compelled to accept 
it or go without. 

The question of " exchange " is naturally uppermost in 
the mind of every prisoner, and is at intervals an untiring 
theme of discussion. One has but to lisp the word and a 
crowd of his associates instantly gathers about him, can- 
vassing the subject with as much interest and energy as 
though it were newly broached, and extracting fresh en- 
couragement from every sage or emphatic prediction of a 
speedy release. 

It was our first impression that we would be detained but 
a few days ; that the Federal Government needed only 
to be apprised of our situation, and our numbers, to proffer 
the recjuisite exchange from the prisoners in its own cus- 
tody. This opinion at length yielded to the belief that 
another advance was contemplated, and that our destiny 
depended, in a great measure, upon the result of a second 
battle. A new apprehension here presented itself, for it 
was openly threatened by the rebels that, in the event of 
their defeat at Manassas, the Union prisoners would be 
massacred by the confederate soldiers in Richmond. 

It must be borne in mind that the Richmond press was 
particularly hostile to the prisoners, and recommended 
filling the navy yard at Pensacola with Union prisoners, 
arguing that our troops would then be compelled either to 
sacrifice our own men or to withhold an attack. 

Harrassed by such reports, we still remain in Richmond, 
and as the weary days and weeks are added to our confine- 
ment, without affording the slightest prospect of release, 
many of the most hopeful become disheartened. The offi- 
cial indifference manifested at Washington towards us 
seems unaccountable. We cannot understand why the 
government is unwilling to exchange or even ameliorate 
the condition of men who have fought honorably in its de- 
fence, and are not only prisoners, but are known to be 



HOW WE PESTERED WIRTZ. 20^ 

suffering for want of food and clothing. Yet notwithstand- 
ing these discouragements, at no time would our boys con- 
sent to receive their exchange at the sacrifice of a single 
principle involving the national honor. 

Notwithstanding the inferior quality and quantity of our 
food, sometimes under the administration of Wirtz we got 
nothing but bread and water. The escapes from the prison 
tvere numerous. About one hundred in all succeeded in 
getting away, but all except a very few were recaptured. 
Whenever an escape was discovered, which was usually two 
or three days after the prisoner had gone, Wirtz would en- 
ter the prison in a towering passion and command the pris- 
oners to fall in for roll-call. His jargon was excessively 
amusing, and whenever the prisoners affected to misunder- 
stand, he was thrown into a spasmodic rage. Some one 
would usually respond for the fugitive, and Wirtz could sel- 
dom find out who it was that had escaped. He would then 
demand to know how they had made their escape, but the 
prisoners would refuse to answer any of his queries. " Tell, 
me," he would say, " or you shall never be so sorry in your 
life. I shall keep yoii tree tays on pred and wasser. " Oh. 
ho!" would shout a dozen voices, "Three cheers for 
Wirtz. He will feed us three days on bread and butter!" 
" No, no ! you tam villians, I say pred and wasser — ivasser, 
and not busser !" And he proved as good as his word. 

At one extremity of the prison, on the second floor, was a 
small room that had been used as an office, in which had 
been stored a quantity of tobacco, and a barrel of sweetened 
rum, used in flavoring the same. The door had been nailed 
up, but the boys, aided by a saw made from a case-knife, 
effected an entrance, and confiscated sufficient " Old Vir- 
ginia Twist " to last for several months ; and as to the 
sweetened rum, the boys were rapturous over this unex- 
pected discovery. Sergeant. Wirtz was not long in ascer- 
taining that the " tam Yankees," as he invariably called us, 
were in unusual " i/'/?'//.T," and because he could not find 
out how the boys obtained their " fire-water," he flew into a 
paroxysm of rage, and determined to punish the whole 



208 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

crowd, and the sentence was, as before, " Three days on 
bread and water. " 

The " Poet " of Prison No. 2 could not resist the impulse 
to immortalize our PRISON BiLL oF Fark, and his efforts 
resulted in the following production : 

First, at the sink, having performed ablution, 

This problem, " What's for breakfast ?" needs solution; 

Like others not in Euclid, oft 'tis found 

To tax researches that are most profound. 

At length 'tis solved, when, on his sapient head, 

A colored "gemman" brings a loaf of bread, — 

Not common loaves, as in the shop vou'll tind, 

Such large affairs must suit the vulgar mintl. 

Our friends take care our better tastes to meet. 

So send us loaves thai are unique and neat ; 

Our longing eyes upon the batcli we fix, 

Then quickly eat our rations — ounces six : 

So justly are our appetites defined, 

These loaves are not the largest of their kind ; 

To season them withal, our friends allow 

Three ounces of some lately butchered cow, — 

How long ago we say not, but the smell 

Woidd indicate it rather hard to tell ; 

The doubt, however, is not worth discussing. 

Such things create unnecessary fussing ; 

Besides, it would be wrong to heed such stuff, — 

Rub it with salt, it then goes well enough. 

Thus, you perceive, all works have been at fault, 

To doubt the potency of Richmond salt ; 

It sweetens and removes a doubtful flavor. 

We once, indeed, had coffee, but we fear 

Our friends have found the article too dear ; 

So now, we eat our sumptuous breakfast dr\' ; 

For, even they use coffee made from rye. 

Some time we Yankees may the secret steal, 

And make pure Java from bad Indian meal ; 

At all their little failings we must wink. 

And so ait lihitiim, foul water drink. 

Such is our morning meal ; now, "what's for dinner?" 

Asks some insatiate, half-starved sinner, 

As if the bounty of our Christian friends 

Was not enough to answer nature's ends. 

The fellow craves, till problem number two 

Calls the attention of a hungr}' crew. 

That in a corner squat, in deep reflection. 

Like Cabinet ministers, on home protection. 

W'itli bus\' IuukIs, at length, their ]iates the\' scratcii, 



PRISON BILL OF FARE. 2G9 

As if their brains a dinner there could hatch ; 

'Twoiild seem they had, witli one consent, resolvetl 

To scratch until the problem had been solved. 

Others, again, beguile the weary hours 

With quiet game of cribbage, or all fours ; — 

Wrapt in a cloud of smoke from morn till noori; 

They don't expect a dinner from the moon. 

The sick lie on the floor, as mute as mice,^ — 

Poor devils ! thankful for a little rice ; 

While lame and laz}^ seeming ill at ease. 

Are laying plans their hunger to appease. 

Some fellows who are luck)% having money — 

Though Yankees think the medium rather funny — ■ 

With bogus bills, of small denominations. 

Contrive to add a little to their rations ; 

And eat at noon, without a guilty blush, 

A pint of Indian meal, made into mush ; 

Another brings to view his precious store, — 

A bone, that he had picked too well before ; 

This — (our pants inform us we are thinner) — ■ 

Makes the sum total of our prison dinner. 

I now shall place in order proper, 

The dainty items of our prison supper: 

At five o'clock, and sometimes half-past five, 

A humming sound is heard throughout the hive ; 

The boarders think their supper rather late. 

And beat the devil's tattoo upon each plate ; 

Some get impatient, and the rest thej' choke, 

In stifling clouds of vile tobacco smoke ; 

For, be it known, a hogshead found up-stairs, 

Affords the boys a chance to " put on airs," 

So those to whom the habit is quite new, 

Can smoke a pipe, or take a luscious chew. 

But as the boarders throng around the door. 

Our colored "gemman " enters as before ; 

With graceful dignity his load removes. 

While some thin wretch his tardiness repro\'es. 

Meanwhile another of the sable race. 

Whose comic grin o'erspreads his ebon face, 

Upon his neighbor's heels had followed close. 

And in his hands a curious looking dose ; 

But something floating meets the boarders' view, — 

It must be — yes, it is an Irish stew. 

Just then the eyes of hungry sinners gleam, 

Extended nostrils scent the fragrant steam ; 

The grinning darkey on his fingers blows, — 

His scalded hands to impatient boarders shows. 

Then leaves his steaming bucket on the floor, 



2IO RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. V. VOLS. 

And, witli another grin, he shuts tlie door. 

Now, anxious to inspect the savory mess, 

Tlie hnngry boarders round the bucket press ; 

But, short and tall, their open mouths they droop, — 

Their Irish stew is regulation soup. 

Their happiness is changed to speechless grief. 

The water, this, in which the}' boiled their beef ; 

Some friendly hand, to make it somewhat thicker, 

Had dropped a cracker in the tasteless litiuor : 

Of this each boarder shares a standard gill ; 

It's quite enough, and warranted to kill. 

To test its strength on us is their intention, — 

All the ingredients I dare not mention. 

We crumble in our ounces, six, of bread. 

Swallow the physic, and then go to bed. 

This, be it known, is on hard boards. 

The best the prison discipline affords. 

Shades of the epicures of ancient Rome, 

Whose deeds are writ in many an ancient tome ; 

Ye might)' men, whose gastronomic feats 

Were sung in ballads, in Rome's ancient streets ; 

Whose wondrous deeds bv Plato have been noted. 

And crests bj' modern epicures been quoted. 

Hold fast 3'our laurels, for in Richmond prison, 

E'en at this da}-, your rivals have arisen. 

Who, though they cannot boast a second course. 

Have called from morn until their throats were hoarse ; 

Insatiate men, whose inwards nought can fill, 

Not even tubs of stuff called wholesome swill ; 

Who crammed their stomachs with suspicious beef, 

Would taint the fiiigers of a starving thief, 

Whose hungry eyes, most starting from their sockets. 

Proclaiming they are starving men, with emi)t\' pockets, 

Wlio eat with gusto the Confederate swill. 

That would a famished jackal surely kill ; 

Assembled 'round Secession's filthy tul). 

11 vena-like, their eves devour their grub ; 

Nor can they have it in their hands too soon. 

But b(jlt it, dog-like, without fork or spoon, — 

Then, with a rag, moustaches, must tluv wi]ic. 

Such rare perfection, in the mystic art. 

Might cause the souls of richer men to start. 

The famous sojer may safely bood it. 

That he and all his tribe have got to hood it. 

And open shops where science is unknown. 

In some place bordering on the frigid zone, 

And tell the epicure, he may find there 

His fame was lost by this, our BiM, or-- F.vre ! 



\ 



\ 



OFF FOR NEW ORLEANS. 211 

September 20th. — Our fears about being ?ent further 
south are to be reaHzed, and a squad of 250 are to start for 
New Orleans to-morrow, to be followed in a day or two 
by 250 more. It is sad to think of being sent so far away 
from home, more than fifteen hundred miles, and no pros- 
pect of being released. The papers say they are to send 
us south so the fevers will kill us off more rapidly. 

September 21st. — Orders were, to be ready to start at 
3 o'clock this morning, and many of the men did not lie 
down at all, but sat up, sang songs, cheered for the Stars 
and Stripes, and made night ring. One would have thought 
we were the happiest lot of men that ever were together. 
The other prisoners hearing our shouts, took them up, and 
did all they could to disturb the rebel city. The ofificers 
threatened to fire on us, but could not make us keep still. 
We did not go, however, till 4 o'clock in the afternoon. 
One of the men was shot dead by the guard, while standing 
near the window. This makes the fifth man that has been 
killed by the sentries firing into the window. Before leav- 
ing I was allowed to go over to the hospital and bid good- 
bye to the men for whom I had cared so long. I passed 
from cot to cot, and received a kind farewell from all 

Harry Stewart, one of our men, had lived in Richmond, 
and left the city only a month before the battle. He has a 
sweetheart here by the name of Sarah Sowards. When we 
first came here, she was allowed to visit the prison and 
bring food and presents to Harry ; but after a little time 
the ofificers would not allow this, and she had to content 
herself by walking past the prison every day, hoping to get 
a look at her friend through the grated window. To-day, 
having heard that we were to leave Richmond, she came 
down early in the morning, accompanied by a lady friend, 
to watch if perchance she might get a parting word with 
Harry. But Harry was sick. The fever had attacked him, 
and he lay in a half stupor on the floor. His comrades 
raised him so that he could look out of the window. No 
word or sign could pass between them, as the officers were 
watching. 



212 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

At last the order came to go. We were supplied with 
three days' rations of bread and bacon. A strong guard 
wab drawn up on each side of the street, to keep us 
and escort us to the depot. We bade adieu to comrades 
who were left behind, and there was many a sad parting. 
We left with them messages to be taken to our home 
friends, as it was expected that those who remained would 
soon be exchanged. My friend Trowbridge was not to go. 
I tried to persuade him that we should not be parted, but 
he felt too weak to undertake the journey. He thought he 
would soon go home, and promised to tell my friends about 
me. And so we parted, never to meet on earth again. In 
two weeks after I left him, he i^tarved to death. 

And now we are in the street and breathe fresh air once 
more. From the windows of all the other prisons were 
waved many a friendly salute and warm good-bye. By a 
preconcerted plan, when the order came to march, one 
cried, " Three cheers for the Stars and Stripes," and al- 
though the guards charged bayonets and threatened to 
shoot, three heartier cheers never went up for the dear old 
flag. Then the other prisons took it up, and cheer upon 
cheer from those brave hearts followed us as we marched 
through the streets of that doomed city. We soon reached 
the depot and went on board the cars. Harry's friend had 
followed us, and stood near the cars, weeping bitterly, but 
the guard, with his bayonet before her, would not let her 
speak nor come near. Many of the people who were stand- 
ing by were moved to tears, and begged the soldier to let 
her pass. The cars started. She seized hold of the mus- 
ket, threw it aside, rushed by the guard and seized her 
lover's hand and said good-bye. Harry was sick through 
all the journey, but recovered and returned home Sarah 
was imprisoned by her own people as a Union sympathizer, 
and suffered untold hardships through the war. 

But to go on with our journey. We ride on open plat- 
form cars and reach Petersburg, the third station from 
Richmond. The country so far is very poor, the soil being 
sandy loam. Forests of yellow pine are plenty all the way 



A FREE RIDE THROUGH THE CONFEDERACY. 213 

Corn is the chief crop, and it is poor indeed. We changed 
cars at Petersburg, and now ride in passenger cars with 
plank seats. One of our men — John Stout, of Co. " C " — 
while passing through the cars (it being dark) fell and broke 
his thigh. We took him out, and he was sent to the hospi- 
tal, but none of his comrades were allowed to remain with 
him. He recovered, and returned home before we did. 

Sunday, September 22d. — It has rained hard all night. 
As we approach Goldsboro, N. C, the crops look better 
than in the vicinity of Petersburgh. We pass fields of cot- 
ton, sweet potatoes, and immense forests of yellow pine, 
which extend clear on to Wilmington, N. C, where we 
arrive about 5 o'clock. This is a pleasant city. A great 
number of people are out to see us, and deride us at a great 
rate. Here we left the cars, and crossed the Cape P'ear river 
by ferry. Some of the boys proposed that we overpower 
the guards, seize the boat and run down the river to the 
blockade fleet, but there was so little time that the plan could 
not be perfected, and the rebel officers, suspecting the plot, 
strengthened the guard and made every plan to frustrate us. 

September 23d. — We pass on through a country with 
splendid scenery all the way to Sumter, S. C, where an im- 
mense number of people had gathered to seethe "Yankees." 
At Kingsville we remained three hours, to cook bacon. 
Our food is bread and bacon. We reached Orangeburgh 
about sunset. This is a beautiful village and there is a 
large female seminary located here. Many of the pupils, 
" pretty secesh girls," came down to see us. 

We reached Augusta, Ga., about 2 o'clock in the morn- 
ing. Here, even at this unseasonable hour, we found a 
very large number of citizens assembled to see us. They 
hooted and yelled at us all the time, like so many fiends, 
but we were not allowed to retaliate with a word. From 
here we pass on to Atlanta, and on to Montgomery, Ala., 
and are now in the very heart of the Confederacy. Mont- 
gomery was the Confederate capital until the day before 
the battle of Bull Run, when it was moved to Richmond. 
Here we were treated more civilly by the people, and there 



214 RECORD OF 27tH REGIMENT N. V. VOLS- 

were not so many out to see us as in some of the smaller 
places through which we passed. 

September 26th. — Breakfasted on hard bread and bacon, 
about 8 o'clock, when we went on board a steamer and 
started down the Alabama river, for Mobile. The ride 
is not very pleasant, as we are kept on the lower deck, 
and the banks of the river are so high that we cannot look 
out upon the country. We do not like sailing under the 
rebel flag; but when we remember that the bunting from 
which it was made was stolen from us, and is good Union 
stuff, it is not so bad. 

September 27th, — I have not slept well during the night. 
The engines made a noise like thunder, and I had to lie 
close beside one. No sleep would come to my eyes, so I 
do not feel well this morning. We breakfasted on a small 
piece of corn cake and bacon. We do not get half enough 
to eat. 

y\t daylight, the 28th, we arrived in Mobile bay, and as 
we sailed down to the city we were favored with a gorgeous 
sunrise on the waters, which for a time took awaj' all 
thought of our forlorn condition. 

We were escorted through the city to the Jackson depot 
by two companies of home guards, in new uniforms, the 
finest dressed soldiers that we have seen at the South. We 
were put on board of box cars with plank seats, and arrived 
at Jackson, Miss., at i P. M., Sunday, the 29th, having had 
nothing to eat since we left Mobile, 24 hours before. Jack- 
son is a most beautiful city, built upon a sloping hill. The 
streets are wide, paved, and lined with a great many shade 
trees. The public buildings, on a hill to the right, are very 
fine. The people turned out en masse, the churches closed, 
and all made a rush to see the " Yankees." They were 
surprised to find that we looked like their own men, sup- 
posing that a " Yankee " was some kind of an animal. We 
had a great deal of sport chafing them, playin^^ upon 
their credulity and turning jokes upon the guard that was 
with us, who, like ourselves, were jaded with their nine 
days' ride, A good dinner was served to the guard by the 



WHAT DID YOU COME DOWN HERE FOR? 21 5 

citizens, and the remnants of this ehnner were given to the 
prisoners. I was hard sick and not able to eat anything. 

Soon after dark we left Jackson, and arrived in New 
Orleans in the forenoon of the following day. Here we 
found a larger crowd than at any previous place, but the 
troops were not ready, and the officers in charge fearing 
that the mob would ill treat us, ordered the train to back 
out of the city several miles. About noon the train ran in 
again, and found them ready for us. The soldiers had driven 
the crowd back from the depot, and were drawn up in open 
ranks to receive us, making a fine display. All who were 
able to walk were ordered out of the cars into the line, and, 
escorted by this large body of soldiers, were marched nearly 
all over the city. Everywhere there was an immense crowd 
of people. The housetops were covered, the windows and 
every available spot were thronged with curious gazers, all 
anxious to get a sight of the prisoners. The most of them 
looked on in silence, but many hooted and derided us 
shamefully. When we reached the city, I was very sick 
too weak to stand, and was lying on the floor of the car 
That fiend, Wirtz, in whose charge we are traveling, came 
through the car after the others were out, and finding me 
still there, gave me a kick and told me to crawl out, which 
I did, and sank down helpless on the platform. Two other 
sick comrades were found, and we were put in charge of a 
policeman. While we lay here, nearer dead than alive, a 
crowd of unfeeling men and boys gathered around us and 
commenced the same tune that we have heard at every 
place through which we have passed : " What did you come 
down here for ? Think you can subjugate us? Come 
down here to destroy our homes and firesides ? You miser- 
able Yanks, you ought to die." Such was our welcome to 
New Orleans. The police soon drove off the crowds, and 
told them they were cowards for insulting unarmed pris- 
oners. After a little, the sick were put on a two- 
wheel dray or '* float," without springs, and, drawn 
by a couple of mules, we started on to bring up the 
rear of the column. Too sick to hold our heads up from 



I 



2l6 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

the platform, we were jolted for hours over the pavement. 
Occasionally there was a friendly face mid all that vast 
throng which was following us, and once, when the line 
halted, a man came near and asked if I was a prisoner. I 
told him I was, and he threw me a half dollar in silver, and 
another for the comrade who was with me. .Soon after 
this, as we halted again, a young lady came near and in a 
kindly manner asked about our condition, and where we 
were from. She brought something for us to eat, and sev- 
cial times, as the line halted, brought us a refreshing drink 
of water, and kept neai' us through all tlij long march. 

We did not know our destination, but at last the line 
haltetl in front of Parish Prison, with its frowning, gray 
walls and grated windows. The sight sent a shudder 
through our weak frames. Surely, we thought, we are not 
to be incarcerated here, like thiexes and murderers. But it 
was so. The men were thrust into the dirty cells and locked 
in ; prisoners of war in felons" cells. I was taken to the 
hospital, on the second floor, where I remained for several 
weeks, suffering from a severe attack of typhoid fever. In 
the hospital we had cots and moss miattresses to lie upon, 
but we received very little attention from the nurses, who 
were civil prisoners. After coming into the prison, I was 
left for two weeks before my hands or face were washed, or 
my clothes taken off, or once lifted from the bed. About 
this time one of my comrades, George Dunn, of Co. " C," 
was allowed to come in and see me. He was kind enough 
to take my clothes to the yard and have them washed, 
and afterwards gave me a sponge bath. P"rom this time, I 
began to improve, and after seven weeks was able to leave 
the hospital. The doctor came in every morning, but hav- 
ing but little medicine, he could do us no good. Morning 
after morning, as he would pass my cot, I would hear him 
remark to the nurse, " Isn't he dead, yet?". 

Gen. Palfrey was in command at New Orleans, and often 
came in to see the prisoners, and many of the citizens were 
allowed to visit the hospital and prison. A few Christian 
men often came in and broup:ht us instructive books to 




Exterior of Parish Prison, New Orleans, La. 



I 




Interior of Parish Prison. 



2l8 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

read, and showed their kindness in many ways. AmonLj 
those most attentive were A. D. Donovan, Rev. G. L. Moore, 
and — Bartlett ; and our doctors, C. Beard, W. L. Lips- 
comb, and — Smith, were as kind as they were allowed 
to be. 

October 31st. — I left the hospital and joined my com- 
rades in the prison proper. The prison is built in the form 
of a hollow square — a brick wall thirty feet hij^h, on one 
side, and on the other the cells in three tiers, one above 
the other, and a balcony in front of each. Most of the 
cells are 10x12 feet, and sixteen men are confined in each 
cell. Our cell is 12x20, and twenty-four men in it. There 
is no light, and only a small hole less than a foot squaie, in 
the middle of the door, for ventilation, and this space is 
covered with iron bars, as is also a small crescent-shaped 
opening near the top of the cell, communicating with a cell 
in the other division of the prison. 

The men are kept locked in these cells from 4 o'clock in 
the afternoon till eight next morning. It is very warm, and 
the air is almost stifling. During the day, the doors are 
opened, and a part of the men at a time are allowed to 
take exercise in the yard, which is 90x40 feet. We have 
few blankets, and only the bare floor to sleep upon. Each 
man when lying down occupies a floor space of less than 
sixteen inches wide. So we have to lie spoon-fashion, and 
if one wants to turn over, the word is given, " Spoon !" 
and all must turn over together. In one corner of the yard 
is a large square tank, in which the men are allowed to 
bathe. In the opposite corner is the cook-house, containing 
two large iron kettles, in which all the cooking is done. Water 
from the Mississippi river is used for cooking and drinking, 
and is always very roilly. Our food consists of bread, 
fresh meat, and a kind of tea made from the wild youpong, 
a plant that grows along the coast of the Gulf States. In 
the morning we receive a small loaf of wheat bread, weigh- 
ing about eight ounces, and a pint of the youpong tea, 
without sugar. Fresh meat, the refuse from the city mar- 
kets, is brought in about 8 o'clock, and taken to the cook- 



THE STANDARD REMEDY FOR SCURVY. 2I9 

house by u man detailed from each cell. Here it is boiled 
in the river water ivitJioitt any salt. After the meat is cooked, 
a little rice is put into the pot licjuor, and this is issued 
to us as soup. A pint of this soup with a small bit of the 
meat, makes our dinner. We had no supper during the 
four months we were in New Orleans, and no change in this 
diet, except at one time thirteen barrels of molasses were 
sent in by a man who was said to be the largest slave- 
holder in the state. At another time, a few Irish potatoes 
and some cabbage were issued to the men, to be eaten raw, 
and also a lot of wild sour oranges, as a cure for the scurvy, 
from which many of the men were suffering. 

There were various forms in which scurvy manifested 
itself. The most common was a soreness of the mouth and 
gums. The teeth would all become loose, and often drop 
out ; no solid food could be eaten. In another form, the 
limbs of the patient would swell to an immoderate size and 
turn black. Still others would break out in sores and erup- 
tions over the body. The standard remedy, when it could 
be had, was raw potatoes or cabbage, with a little vinegar, 
or a supply of wild oranges, which are about three degrees 
sourer than a lemon. 

A large number of the men busy themselves making 
rings, little books, watch charms and trinkets from the 
pieces of bones found in the beef ; and when we cannot get 
bones enough, the guards sometimes bring them to the 
door and sell them to the men. Many of these trinkets 
are nicely carved and inlaid with colored sealing-wax, and 
are readily sold to the officers and visitors who come in to 
see the prisoners. In this way many of the boys are able 
to buy extra rations for themselves and do not suffer so 
much from hunger. 

November 9th. — We hear a rumor to-day that our forces 
have captured Port Royal, near Savannah. Our confine- 
ment is getting almost intolerable. Many of the men think 
they cannot stand it much longer. We pray that God will 
keep disease from our midst, and that He will give us 
strength until the appointed time. One of the boys, George 



220 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

T. Childs, from Boston, has received several letters from 
home to-day, and a trunk containing clothing. 

Sunday, November loth. — The weather continues very 
warm. We had preaching this morning by an Episcopal 
minister. His text was from Luke xviii : 13. It was not a 
very interesting sermon. He angered the boys very much 
by praying for Jefferson Davis, President of the C. S. A. 
Most of the boys would not listen to him, and made a 
great deal of noise, so that he did not stay long. After- 
wards he apologized and said he was obliged by the rules 
of "The Church," to always remember their President in 
his prayer, l^ut the boys "could not see it." Mr. Dono- 
van came in with more reading matter. There is a ru- 
mor, that there is to be an exchange of prisoners soon, 
but we dare not believe it. They probably say it to keep 
up our spirits. It causes a great deal of talk, and each 
asks the other if it can be so. Oh ! such a longing to be 
free ; no one not a prisoner can imagine it. We held a 
Bible-class in our cell at 3 o'clock. It was attended by 
twenty or more, and was very interesting. The lesson was 
from John iii. One of the men, a minister by the name of 
Alexander Parker, 7th Ohio, takes charge of the class. 

November iith. — From some of the papers that are 
smuggled in once in a while, we learn that provisions are 
very high in the city. Pork is not to be had. Salt beef is 
$32 per barrel; flour, $10 to $15; corn meal, $1.50 per 
bushel ; candles, 90 cts. per pound. Molasses and rice are 
the only things that are cheap. 

November 12th. — It is reported in the pajDers to-day, that 
our government, having sentenced the crew of the privateer 
Savannah to be hung, the rebels have selected fourteen of 
our officers, by lot, and confined them in a dungeon at 
Charleston, and threaten to retaliate by executing them, in 
case the above sentence is carried into effect. 

The following is from the diary of Corp. Merrill, who 
was in Richmond at the time : 

" On the loth of November, General Winder entered the 
prison, called the commissioned officers together, and read 
the following order, as addressed to himself : 



DRAWING HOSTAGES BY LOT. 221 

C. S. A. War Dei'Artme.x r, ( 
Richmond, Nov., iS6i. \ 

SiK : — You arc licrcby instructL'd lo cIioosl' by lot, from among tin- 
|irisoncrs of war of liiglicst rank, one who is to be contiucd in a cell ap- 
[)ropriatL'd to convicted felons, and who is to be treated in all respects as 
if such convict, and to lie held for execution in the same manner as may 
be adopted by the enemy for the execution of tlie prisoner of war Smith, 
recently condemned to death, in Philadelphia. 

You will also select thirteen other prisoners of war, the highest in rank 
of those captured by our forces, to be confined in cells reserved for pris- 
oners accused of infamous crimes, and shall treat them as such so long as 
the enemy shall continue to treat the like number of prisoners of war cap- 
lured by them, in New York, as pirates. As these measures are intended 
lo repress the infamous attempt now made by the enemy to commit judi- 
cial murder on the prisoners -of war, you will execute them strictly, a.^ 
the best mode calculated to prevent the commission of so heinous a crime. 
Your obedient servant, 

J. P. BENJAMIN, 

Acting Secretary of War. 
To Biigadicr-Gcneral John lUiiider, Richmond I'a. 

The reading of this order was Hstened to in silence, but 
with deep sensation. At its conclusion, Gen. Winder re- 
rnarked that he regretted very much the unpleasant duty 
devolving upon him, but he had no option in the matter. 
The names of six colonels were placed in a can, and Mr. 
Ely was required — -much to his own reluctance — to draw 
froiTi them. 

The first name drawn was that of Col. Corcoi"an, 69th 
Regiment N. Y. S. M., who was the hostage chosen to an- 
swer for Smith. Mr. Ely was very much affected when the 
name of his friend and messmate was drawn by his own 
hand. 

In choosing thirteen from the highest rank, to be held to 
answer for a like number of prisoners of \'?ar, captured by 
the enemy at sea, there being only ten field officers, it was 
necessary to draw by lot three captains. 

During the drawing, the most profound silence prevailed. 



222 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

and great anxiety was exhibited on the part of the officers 
whose names were in the can. 

When completed, the list stood : Cols. Corcoran, Lee, 
Coggswell, Wilcox, WoodrufT and Wood ; Lieutenant-Cols. 
Mowman and NefT ; Majors Fetter, Revere and Vodges ; 
Capts. Rockwood, Bowman and Kaffer." 

November 20th. — One of the nurses having been dis- 
charged, I was asked to take his place in the hospital, and 
am now caring for the sick. There are four of us connected 
with the hospital : The Steward, W. Blydenburgh, of the 
14th Brooklyn; A. F. Rowland, Clerk ; John Paxson, Cook. 

The doctors have entire charge of the hospital, and feed 
us better than the contractor feeds the men in the yard. 
There are now twelve sick in the hospital. 

I remained at this work the balance of the time that we 
stayed in New Orleans, and it fell to my lot to care for every 
man who died while we were in Parish Prison, and to com- 
fort them as much as possible in their last hours. It is a 
remarkable fact that, although many of the men had the 
fever, only nine died out of the five hundred who were sent 
here — as the papers said — to be killed off by the fever. 

The bodies of our dead comrades were never buried, but 
were carried out into the swamps, a prey for the buzzards 
and hyenas. 

December 12th. — The same routine of daily duties con- 
tinues. Time is passing rapidly. The winter is now upon 
us, with no prospect of our release ; and unless our Congress 
does something to settle the question of exchange, we must 
expect to remain here a long time. It will seem like in- 
gratitude if they neglect to help us. I have read President 
Lincoln's message to-day, from one of the rebel papers. 
He does not mention the case of the prisoners, and seems 
regardless of our sufTerings. To-day nine prisoners cap- 
tured from the blockading fleet were brought to the city 
and confined in the prison with us. 

December 25th, Christmas Day, 1861. — The weather is 
fine, and the boys, thinking that the day for their release is 
not far distant, are feeling pretty well. They have organ- 



I 



MY FIRST LETTER FROM HOME. 223 

ized into companies, and to-day had a masquerade drill and 
march in the yard, which made a great deal of sport. After 
this we had a good time singing patriotic songs, cheering 
for the Flag and the Union, and made the old prison ring. 
It brought comfort to five hundred loyal hearts. Those of 
us in the hospital managed to get some red, white and blue 
cloth from the female prisoners in the other department of 
the prison, and made a little flag, about two feet long. To- 
day I took it out into the long hall, and when the officers 
were not about, I waved it from a window overlooking the 
3'ard. Such a shout as went up when the boys saw it, was 
never heard before in this city. The noise attracted so great a 
crowd about the prison that the officers came in, and tried to 
stop us. Then they locked us all up, but the boys kept up 
the singing until late into the night. So, after all, wc had 
a " Merry Christmas." 

We are not guarded by soldiers here, but arc Lindcr the 
civil authorities, and the turnkeys are all ci\'il prisoners, 
whom the officers send in to lock us up. These men come 
into the yard jingling a bunch of ponderous keys, and 
shout : " Get to your holes, you Yankee s !" 

Every Sunday we hold a Bible-class in one of the cells, 
and for some time a daily prayer-meeting has been held. 

December 27th. — Our prayer-meeting this afternoon was 
the most interesting that we have held, and was attended 
by about forty, all crowded into a single cell. One sick- 
man was made a special subject of prayer. Another man 
expressed his determination to be a Christian. There was 
much feeling, and although in these peculiar circumstances, 
we were happy. 

December 28th. — Oh ! happy am I. 1 have receixed a 
letter from my father to-day — the first time I ha\c heard 
from home since I was captured. My friends ha\e heard 
where I am, and all are well ; but the letter brings the sad 
news of the death of my comrade, Charlc\- Trow bi'idgc, in 
Richmond. 

December 30th. — The Angel of Death has again come to 
us and taken another comrade, by the name of Wing, lie 



224 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

died at three this morning, after an iHness of nine weeks. 
He was a nurse in the hospital when I was sick, and httlc 
did he think he would go first. He had as good care as I 
could give him, and 1 think he died happ}'. He was ver}- 
wicked and profane during the first part of his sickness, but 
I have talked with him about dying, he has been prayed 
for in the meetings, God seemed to have called him, and he 
is happy. He said he was willing to give up this world for 
a home above. 

January 1st, 1862. — Another man, by the name of Beard, 
from the 7th Ohio, died last night. He had been sick 
about a week, with typhoid fever. He had a hemorrhage 
of the bowels about 8 o'clock, and died about 1 1. He did 
not know of his condition till 1 told him he could not live 
till morning. Not being a Christian, he desired me to pray 
with him, which 1 did, and taught him to pray for himsel f 
He repented and implored forgiveness of his Saviour, and 
told me that he thought his prayer was heard and that he 
would be happy in heaven. It was a solemn New Year 
night to us, and one long to be remembered. 

The boys are rejoicing greatly, having heard that the 
government has agreed to an exchange of prisoners. There 
is now some hope that we shall be released. We all have 
" exchange on the brain." 

January 4th.— My birthday ; twenty years old to-day. 
We are not allowed the city papers, and can only get them 
by stealing them out of the pockets of the of^cers or the 
doctors, or sometimes from the convicts on the other side 
of the prison. To-day some of the officers suspecting that 
the men in cell No. 4 had got a paper, searched all the 
men in the cell. They found no paper, but did find a diar\' 
belonging to one of the men. This man was taken out and 
})ut in irons, locked in the dungeon, and fed on breatl and 
water for many days. 

The shackles which the\- sometimes put on the men, 
for punishment, weigh one hundred and thirty pounds, and 
consist of two iron clevies, which encircle the ankle ; then 
an iron bar is i)ut through the eyes of the clevies, and ke)-ed 



GROSSLY DECEIVED. 22 5 

in by a bolt, which is headed down with a heavy sledge 
hammer. These cannot be removed except by cutting the 
key with a cold chisel. We were then told that they would 
search ev^ery cell, and take away ever)^ diary they founds 
So I have to hide mine in a rat hole in the floor, and at 
night I take it out and' write in it; 

January 15th. — To-day we have each received a ne,w suit 
of clothes from our government — a hat, coat, blouse^ pants; 
shirt, two pairs drawers, shoes, stockings, and overcoat.- 
So we are comfortably clothed once more. Man\' of the 
men were almost naked, and all of us were without under- 
clothing. We are feeling very happy to-da3^ My health 
is gooci. Eleven in hospital. 

Januar}' 28th. — The Massachusetts men haxe each re- 
ceived two dollars, which was sent to them b\- friends at 
home. 

February 5th. — To-day the commanding offlcer, General 
Palfrey, came in and told us that we should lea\-e to-morrow 
for the North. Many of the boys are very jubilant at the 
prospect of going home, but some of us dare not believe it, 
for our enemies are very treacherous. A brighter day must 
dawn some time. None of the men have ever tried to tun- 
nel out or make their escape from this prison, as the}' often 
did in Richmond, for we are so far from the Union lines, it 
would be a hopeless task to attempt to reach them. 

February 6th. — We left Parish Prison, the whole five 
hundred, at 2 o'clock, having been told that we were going 
to North Carolina to be exchanged. We were marched to 
the depot through the same street by which we came to the 
prison. It was a very hot and sultry day, and the march 
to the station almost overcame the men. So we bid good-by 
to New Orleans, glad to get out of that miserable [)ris()n, 
where we leave no pleasant associations. 

We started in passenger cars, and made the journe\- over 
about the same route by which we came south ; but will 
not weary the reader with the details of the trip. We 
reached our destination, which proved to be Salisbury, N.C., 
at 2 o'clock A. M. of P^ebruary 14th, one of the darkest and 



226 



RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 



stormiest nights I ever saw. We were ordered out of 
the cars, and, marching through a Hne of bayonets, brought 
up in some building, and were left in the dark to grope our 
way about the room. \\c soon la\- down, for all were 
wearied by our long ride of nine days. We awoke in the 
morning to find ourselves in another strong prison. This 
did not look much like going home, and it seems to be the 
darkest day of our imprisonment, for we can now see no 
sions of our release. 




CONFEDERA TK MiLFlAKN' rRLSO.N', SaUSHURV, N. C. 
[An Old Cotton Factory.) 



Salisbury Prison is a large cotton factory, three stories 
liigh, and built of brick. The rooms have been filled with 
rough board bunks, in four tiers, with narrow aisles bet\\een. 
The windows have strong iron bars across them, and the 
sash and glass have been removed, so that the cold wind 
comes sweeping through, day and night. At first, our food 
was (}uite gootl, consisting of fresh meat, and soup made 
from the Southern black pea or bean. But, after a little, 



A RARE SIGHt. 22/ 

the rations were very short, and instead of fresh meat, we 
were fed on bacon and salt junk. This was meat that had 
been cured from the carcasses of horses and mules which 
had been condemned in the service. We would never have 
complained had we been given even enough of this. 

Our prison is surrounded by a grove of fine trees. The 
guard line is in the shade of these trees, and our Richmond 
experience of being fired at through the windows, was re- 
peated here. I have seen the commanding officer, Lieut. 
Bradford, son of the Union Governor of Maryland, take a 
musket and go creeping around among the trees, trying to 
get a shot at some unsuspecting Yankee who might venture 
too near the window. 

One night, after the men were all asleep, the guard at 
the door of the third floor, without any warning, opened 
the door and fired his piece into the room. The charge 
(three buckshot and a ball), seriously wounded three men. 

Our drinking water is all supplied from a single well, 
near the door. We never get enough to wash or bathe in. 

Our time is passed in playing games, chess, cards, etc., or 
in reading our old letters, and telling stories that we have 
told more than a hundred times before, but always find at- 
tentive listeners. We have a dramatic association, which 
gives very creditable entertainments. Sometimes the offi- 
cers furnish lights and come in to witness the play. A 
stage was erected near the front door, and curtains were 
made of calico, which the rebel officers brought in. At 
one of these entertainments, an actor was costumed as a 
woman. How the dress was smuggled in, none of us ever 
knew. The make-up of the actor was so perfect that the 
officers were completely deceived, and when they saw the 
supposed woman come on the stage, they stopped the 
play, drew their swords, and demanded to know how that 
woman came there. This was soon explained, and the play 
was allowed to go on. l-5ut when the curtain fell, a lot of 
the boys rushed on to the stage and hugged the poor fel- 
low most to death — so rare to them was the sight of a 
woman. 



228 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

March 5th. — We learn to-day from the papers that no 
more prisoners are to be exchanged at present, so we shall 
have to stay here for awhile yet. It is a great disappoint- 
ment to us, for we had hoped to be released soon. It has 
been represented to us that it is the fault of our govern- 
ment that there is no exchange, but we do not believe it ; 
yet we cannot see why we are not released. We are will- 
ing to wait, however, if any good can come from it. The 
long confinement is beginning to tell upon the men ; nearly 
all have a bad cough, and look pale and weak. We are 
afraid, if we remain here much longer, we shall contract 
diseases from which we can never recover. 

There has been a slight change in our food for a few 
(lays : Bread, and coffee made from burnt meal, for break- 
fast ; pork and bean soup for dinner. Some of the men 
were allowed to go out in the yard to-day. 

March loth. — Quite a number of the men have made 
their escape lately ; they are usually gone two or three 
days before the officers find it out. Although they come 
in and have roll-call every day, we manage to fool them 
and keep our full mnnber, even when three or four escape at 
a time. It is done by transferring men from one floor to 
another through trap doors which we have cut through the 
floors just over the top bunk of some tier. Through these 
we also visit our comrades on the other floors, and the 
guards are none the wiser for it. Almost all who make 
their escape are caught and brought back, sometimes after 
being out a month or more ; and such a pitiable sight as 
they present when they return ! Usually their clothes are 
nearly all torn off, and their hands and faces cut and 
scratched by the briars and thorns, for they have had to 
travel through the woods and swamps and avoid the houses 
of white people. The negroes are always kind to escaped 
prisoners, but hunger would sometimes drive them to ask 
food of the whites, and this would usually lead to their 
capture and return. 

Besides the prisoners of war in Salisbury there are many 
Union men, residents of West Virginia, Western North 



UNION SOUTHERN MEN IN PRISON. 229 

Carolina and East Tennessee, who liave been arrested on 
account of their loyalty, torn from their families, thrown 
into prison, and are treated more shabbily than the soldier 
prisoners. One night the hospital steward sent for me to 
come to the hospital and watch with one of these citizen 
prisoners. I found him in an attic of one of the numerous 
little brick houses which surround the prison, and were 
formerly the homes of the operatives in the cotton factory. 
I watched with him till 2 o'clock, when he died. He had 
been entirely neglected, and was in a horrible condition. 

Perhaps we can forgive our late enemies for their ill- 
treatment of our prisoners, regarding it as one of the results 
of the war, but the blood of these Union men will eternall}- 
cry to heaven for vengeance. 

I .found on this visit to the hospital that no provision 
.had been made for washing the clothing of the sick men. 
So I went to the commanding officers and asked permission 
to set up a laundry. This was granted, and a number of 
men wx-re detailed to assist me. This work kept us out in 
the open air. We followed it for nine weeks. Then I 
went into the hospital as nurse again, and remained until 
the time for our release drew on. 

We will not weary the reader with further details of life 
in Salisbury Prison, only to say that as the spring came on 
the men chafed more and more under the confinement, and 
very many of those who had borne up so manfully in New 
(3rleans became discouraged, lost heart, lay down and died. 
jk By this time there were many thousand prisoners in Salis- 
* bury. We found some whom we parted with in Richmond, 
and among them the comrades who were with my friend 
^ Trowbridge when he died. They gave me his diary and 
the trinkets that were found in his pockets. These I brought 
home and gave to his friends. After the first of May the 
guard-line was enlarged, and the men were allowed to take 
exercise in the yard, where various outdoor sports were in- 
dulged in, and the health of the men rapidly imi)roved. 

I May 23d, 1862. — The glad day has at last come ! Two 
hundred of us are to start for liome to-day. Before we left 



230 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

we were required to subscribe to the following oath or 
parole of honor : 

" We, the undersigned prisoners of war to the Confeder- 
ate States, swear that if released we will not take up arms 
during the existing war against the Confederate States, 
until we be regularly exchanged, and that we will not com- 
municate in any manner anything that may injure the 
cause of the Confederate States, which may have come to 
our knowledge, or which we may have heard since our cap- 
ture. Signed at Salisbury, N. C, May 22, 1862." 

Notwithstanding the above parole, and an order that 
every man should be searched, I determined to save my 
diary and that of my comrade Trowbridge. When we left 
New Orleans, I obtained a double canteen. In this 1 hid 
my own diary. After removing one spout, I ripped up the 
cloth covering on one side ; cut through the tin with a knife; 
placed the papers inside ; turned down the tin, and sewed 
the cloth on as before. The canteen looked as good as 
new, and was filled with water on the sound side. 

There was not room in the canteen for the other diary ; 
so I took a loaf of bread that I obtained at the hospital, 
and cut a piece out of one end ; removed all the soft part, 
to the crust ; rolled up the book, and put it in the loaf. 
The piece was then wet and put back, and the loaf placed 
in my haversack. Twice we were searched, and many of 
the men lost all their records, but mine came through safely. 
We left Salisbury by rail, and went to Tarboro, N. C, on 
the Tar River, where we were put on board an open scow, 
and towed down the river by a little stern wheel steamer, 
flying the Confederate flag and a flag of truce, to Little 
Washington, N. C, where we were received by a vessel 
from the blockade squadron. 

The ride down the river was very tedious, but the men 
will never forget how good the "Old Flag" looked when 
we came out into the open bay, and saw the colors waving 
from the masthead of the U. S. gunboat. We were soon 
discovered, and a boat, flying a beautiful new flag, and 
manned by officers and men in brilliant uniforms, put out 



RETURN TO GODS COUNTRY. 231 

from the ship to hail us. We had arranged to give three 
cheers as soon as they should board our steamer. But 
when the word was given, not a cheer was heard — the men 
were too hap})y to cheer. Such ecstasy comes only once in 
the life of any man. 

What a joyful moment ! Yet it seemed too good to be 
true. We who had been so used to being deceived, were 
incredulous to the last moment. But we were soon on 
board a transport, and sailed away for New York, — again 
under the dear old flag ! How our tear-dimmed eyes gazed 
on its folds, and the men, with solemn, sobbing voices, said, 
" Thank God ! thank God !" The link that bound us to 
the terrible past is broken. 

After three days we landed on Governor's Island, New 
York Harbor, and after a few days were allowed to return 
to our homes. 

Here we remained till July 12th, when by General Order 
No. 54, Adjutant-General's office. State of New York, all 
paroled prisoners were ordered to report to the Camp of 
Instruction, near Annapolis, Md. 

Here we remained till the 25th of September, when we 
were notified that we had been exchanged, and ordered to 
report to our regiments. We were furnished transportation 
to Washington, and from there marched in search of our 
regiment, which was in camp near Bakersville, Md., where 
we arrived October 4th, 1862, having been absent from the 
command one year and nearly three months. 

Hard as our lot was, we now realize that it did not com- 
pare with the inhuman treatment our prisoners received 
later on in the war, at Belle Isle, Andersonville, and Salis- 
bury. The policy of our government in regard to an ex- 
change of prisoners has never been fully explained and is 
not now generally understood. It was doubtless thought 
to be a wise policy at the time ; but the twenty-nine thou- 
sand victims who went down to death from those vile, south- 
ern prisons, after months of suffering that baffles the pen 
to describe, was an awful sacrifice, that the survivors to this 
day cannot believe was necessary. And it seems to us that 



232 RECORD OF 27X11 REGIMF:NT N. Y. VOLS. 

God's everlasting curse must surely rest upon the men of 
the South who thus knowingly allowed the thousands of 
young lives to be blotted out of existence by cruelties un- 
heard of before in the annals ot civilized warfare. Those 
who abetted so great a crime against civilization and hu- 
manity, against Christianity and even decency, must in the 
future stand condemned by the public opinion of the 
world, until they shall have done " works meet for repent- 
ance." 

About eighteen per cent, of the men captured dietl in 
prison ; and a larger per cent, of prisoners were killed and 
wounded by the rebel guards than woidd have been killed 
had the men remained with their respective regiments and 
engaged in every battle that was fought during their term 
of imprisonment. Our own government has never )-et 
fully recognized the heroic sacrifice that even the survivors 
made in support of one of the most vital points of our war 
policy : " Refusing an even exchange of prisoners, lest, by 
so doing, they recognize the enemy as a belligerent power,'" 
and which was claimed to be necessary in order to prevent 
foreign nations from accepting the claims of the Confeder- 
ate States to a place in the gala.xy of nations. 

Still another view of the matter is outlined in the follow- 
ing letter from Gen. Grant to (jen. Butler, in 1864: 

"It is liard on our men held in Southern prisons not to exchange them, 
hut it is luimanity to those left in the ranks to fight our battles. Ever}- 
man released, on |jaro!e or otherwise, Ijecomes an active soldier against 
us at once, either directl}' or indirectly. If we commence a system of ex- 
change which liberates all prisoners taken, we will have to fight on until 
the whole South is exterminated. If we hold those caught, they amount 
to no more than dead men. At this particidar time, to release all rebel 
prisoners North would insure Sherman's defeat, and would compromise 
our safety here." 

The following letter from (jen. Butler to Commissioner 
Ould, in reply to the proposition to resume exchange, is of 
interest as bearing on the same point : 



WHO WILL DO IT ? 233 

"One cannot licli) thinking, even at the risk of being deemed unchar- 
itable, that the benevolent s)'mpatliies of the Confederate authorities have 
been lateh- stirred by the depleted condition of their armies, and a desire 
to gel into the field, to affect the present campaign, the hale, heart}', and 
well-fed prisoners held by the United States, in exchange for the half- 
starved, sick, emaciated and miserable soldiers of the United States, now 
languishing in your prisons." 

The above outline helps to explain the policy of our 
government, and is recorded with the hope that it may 
reach the eyes of some one in authority, who will be able 
to stir up our people to a sense of their obligation to this 
class of our soldiers; and that justice, though tardy, may 
yet be done to the men who patiently endured the ten-fold 
hardships of a soldier's life. 

"The National wealth that lies in the treasures of mines, or under the 
white wings of ships, or in the yellow tassels of wheat fields, is well ; but 
the richest land is one rich in patriots' graves." 

Their memory is a holy legacy. May the next genera- 
tion grow up with this sentiment wrought into every fibre 
of their characters — that there is no nobler fate than to die 
for one's country. And if another time of trial and trouble 
and woe should shadow the land, may they be ready to step 
forward and die, if need be, that the nation may live. 

" For gold the merchant ploughs the main, 
The farmer ploughs the manor. 
But glor}' is the soldier's prize. 
The soldier's wealth is lionor. 

The brave, poor soldier ne'er despise. 

Nor count him as a stranger ; 
Remember, he's h-s country's stay. 

In day and houi of danger." 



I 



234 RECORD OF 27TII KECilMENT N. V. VOLS. 

The following interesting statement from D. W. Boslcy, 
hospital steward of the 27th, will remind many of the 
every-day scene about the hospital tent, after the bugler 
had sounded surgeons' call : 

"The hospital department of a marching regiment, or 
rather the dispensary part, over which I had the honor to 
preside in the 27th regiment, is probably one of the most 
" onerous " in the service, and compels the hospital stew- 
ard to perform almost herculean duties. When the 
tents were pitched for the night and the soldiers retired to 
rest, his hardest task would just commence. The unpack- 
ing of medicine chests, filling prescriptions, extracting 
teeth, compounding medicines, attending sick, etc., etc., 
would give him but little time to rest. 

I am pleased to say that I have always held the boys of 
the 27th in the highest esteem for their bravery and pluck, 
and endurance of sickness and wounds. Their cheerfulness 
while suffering was something wonderful. 

The kindness of the soldiers to the officers of the med- 
ical department, was an exhibition of their gratitude to us, 
for we were never allowed to go hungry, nor to be in need 
of help." 






Returned Prisoners. 
{From a lot of 104. received at a Baltimore Hospital, in May, 
1S64 : Shozving the effects of ill treatment zvlulc in the 
hands of the enemy ^ 



BIOGRAPHIKS. 



GENERAL HENRY WARNER SLOCUM 

Was born in Delphi, Onondaga county, N. Y., Sept. 24th, 
KS27. His ancestors, for three generations, resided at New- 
port, R. I., where his father was born, and from whence he 
moved to Albany, N. Y., about the year 1812 ; and thence 
to Delphi, where he was engaged in mercantile pursuits un- 
til his death, in 1853. Gen. Slodum received his early edu- 
cation at the Cazenovia Seminary. 

He entered the U. S. Military Academy at West Point, 
in 1848, and took a high stand in his class. Upon gradu- 
ating, in 1852, he was assigned to duty in the regular army, 
as a Lieutenant in the First Artillery. 

He served two years in the interior of Florida, and three 
years at Fort Moultrie, S. C. While at the latter post, he 
read law in the of^ce of Hon. B. C. Presley, afterwards Jus- 
tice of the Supreme Court of South Carolina. He resigned 
his commission in the army in 1857, and commenced the 
practice of law, at Syracuse, N. Y. In 1858 he was elected 
to the Legislature from that city. Upon the breaking out 
of the war he re-entered the military service, and was made 
Colonel of the 27th Regiment, N. Y. Vols. 

His regiment suffered severely at the first battle of Bull 
Run, and he received a wound which confined him to the 
hospital nearly two months, during which time he was pro- 
moted to the rank of Brigadier-General, and, as soon as he 



238 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

was able to do duty, he was assigned to the command of a 
brigade under Gen. McClellan. During the campaign on 
the Peninsula he was assigned to the command of a Divis- 
ion in the Sixth Corps, under Gen. Franklin, and after the 
seven days' battle in front of Richmond, upon the recom- 
mendations of Generals McClellan and Franklin, he was 
made Major-General. 

In the Maryland campaign under Gen. McClellan, he 
took part in the battles of South Mountain and Antietam, 
and at the close of the latter battle he was assigned to the 
command of the TvVelfth Army Corps; Gen. Mansfield, the 
former commander, having been killed during the battle. 
He was at Chancellorsville under Gen. Hooker, and at Get- 
tysburg, under Meade. During the great struggle at Get- 
tysburg, he commanded the right of Meade's army, and 
was heavily engaged during the second and third days of 
the battle. The defeat of Rosencranz, at Chickamauga, 
late in the fall, necessitated sending immediate reinforce- 
ments to him ; and the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps, 
commanded by Howard and Slocum, were rapidly trans- 
ferred thither by railroad. 

In the following spring, when Sherman reorganized his 
army for the Atlanta campaign, he consolidated the Elev- 
enth and Twelfth Corps, and the new corps (designated 
the Twentieth) was placed under the command of Gen. 
Hooker — Slocum being assigned to the command of the De- 
partment of the Mississippi, with headquarters at Vicksburg. 

He was ordered to make frequent excursions into the 
country and keep the enemy actively engaged, with a view 
of preventing reinforcements from that quarter to the army 
in front of Sherman. When Hooker was relieved from the 
Twentieth Corps, Slocum was ordered by telegraph to sur- 
render his command at Vicksburg to the officer next in 
rank, and join Gen. Sherman. He was at once placed in 
command of the Twentieth Corps. 

When Sherman made his bold movement around Atlanta 
to the Macon road, he left Slocum on the bank of the 
Chattahooche, to guard the communication and take ad 



filOGRAPt^V OP GENERAL SLOCUM; 23^ 

\antage of any opportunity which might be presented. 
Sherman forced the enemy to leave the entrenchments 
around Atlanta, to meet him in the field, and the Twen- 
tieth Corps marched into the city. Within an hour the 
telegra[)h line was established, and the first message over it 
was a dispatch from Gen. Slocum, carrying the glad tidings 
to the North, "Atlanta has fallen." When Sherman 
planned his great campaign " from Atlanta to the sea," he 
gave Slocum command of the left wing of his army, com- 
posed of the Fourteenth and Twentieth Corps. The his- 
tory of Sherman's grand campaign from Atlanta to the sea, 
and from the sea through the swamps of the Carolinas to 
Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, is well known to the 
world. On this campaign, at the urgent request of Gen. 
Sherman, President Lincoln constituted the Fourteenth and 
Twentieth Corps an army, to be designated as the " Army 
of Georgia," and assigned Gen. Slocum as its commander. 
He continued in this command to the close of the war, 
when he was again sent to command the Department of 
the Mississippi. 

In the fall of 1865 he resigned his commission, and in 
the spring of 1866 he took up his residence in Brooklyn, 
N. Y., where he now resides. He has twice been elected to 
Congress from a district in that city, and afterwards a rep- 
resentative at large for the state. 



240 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

BREVET MAJOR-GExX. JOSEPH J. BARTLETT. 

Joseph J. Bartlett was born in Binghamton, N. Y., on the 
4th of November, 1834. His education was obtained in 
the pubHc schools of Binghamtpn, and he afterwards began 
the study of law in the office of the Hon. Eaton J. Rich- 
ardson, of Utica, N. Y. He was admitted to the bar in 
i860, and began the practice of his profession at Syracuse, 
N. Y., and next year returned to Binghamton. 

In April, 1861, he enlisted as a private soldier, in Bing- 
hamton, N. Y., where he had just commenced the practice 
of law. Upon the organization of the compan}' he was 
elected Captain. Upon the organization of the Twenty- 
seventh Regiment of Volunteers, at Elmira, he was elected 
Major of the Regiment. 

At the first battle of Bull Run, after Colonel Slocum was 
wounded, he was placed in command of the regiment, by 
the Colonel's order. A few weeks after the battle, Colonel 
Slocum was promoted to Brigadier-General, and Major 
Bartlett to Colonel of the Twenty-seventh. Immediateh- 
upon arriving at West Point, on the Peninsula, the provis- 
ional Sixth Army Corps was organized. Gen. Franklin com- 
manding. This gave Gen. Slocum command of P"ranklin's 
Division, and Colonel Bartlett the command of Slocum's 
Brigade. A reconnoissance made by Col. Bartlett at 
Mechanicsville was so successful that Gen. McClellan con- 
tinued him in command of his brigade, although general 
officers were sent from Washington to report to General 
McClellan for assignment to duty. 

At the battle of Gaines' Mill, Col. Bartlett's Brigade re- 
ported to Gen. Sykes for duty, and, with the regular 
troops, held the right of Gen. Porter's line successfully until 
the close of the battle, losing 504 men killed and wounded, 
including all but three of the field officers. 

For this battle he received the warm praise of Gens. 
F'ranklin, Slocum, Sykes, Porter and McClellan, in their re- 
ports. He also received the same for services rendered 
during all the seven days' fighting. 

At the second battle of Bull Run, he covered the re- 



BIOGRAPHY OF GENERAL BARTLETT. 24I 

treat of the army to Centreville. At the battle of South 
Mountain his brigade led the column of attack of the First 
Division, Sixth Corps, at " Crampton's Gap," breaking the 
enemy's line at the foot of the mountain, driving him be- 
yond the crest, and securing the road for the passage of 
our troops. 

At Antietam he engaged with the balance of the Corps. 
For his services up to this date, he was recommended by 
Gen. McClellan for promotion to Brigadier-General, which 
title he received about ten days after. 

From this period to the close of the war he also engaged 
in every battle of the Army of the Potomac. At the bat- 
tle of Marye's Heights, Second Fredericksburg, and Chan- 
cellorsville, hewas with Sedgwick's Sixth Army Corps. 

At Gettysburg he was given by General Sedgwick the 
command of the Third Division of the Sixth Army Corps, 
retaining its command until the " Mine Run " campaign, 
when Gen. Sykes applied for him to command the First Di- 
vision of the Fifth Corps, which he retained until Gen. 
Grant took command and consolidated the six corps of the 
army into three. This legislated him out of a command, 
but the Corps Commander made up for him the equivalent 
of a division, by giving him nine regiments of veteran 
troops. With this command he served through the Wil 
derness campaign and in front of Petersburg. For dis- 
tinguished services in that campaign he was made Brevet 
Major-General. At the battle of " Five Forks " he was 
once more assigned to the command of the First Division 
of the Fifth Corps, which marched from there to Appo- 
mattox Court House with the cavalry. Being in advance 
of the corps the morning Sheridan struck Appomattox, he 
formed his division in two lines of battle with a cloud of 
skirmishers in front, and forced the enemy to retire behind 
the town, and received the surrender of a rebel brigade be- 
fore the general surrender took place. 

The next day he was appointed to receive the surrender 
of the infantry arms of Gen. Lee's army. Gen. Bartlett 
was struck six times, but never for a day gave up the com- 



242 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

mand of his troops. After the close of the war he was 
appointed by President Johnson " Minister Resident " to 
Stockhohn, where he remained three years. 

This record shows continuous service in the field from the 
first Bull Run until after the surrender at Appomattox 
Court House. 

lie is now Deputy Commis-^ioncr of Pensions, havino- 
been appointed to that pc^sition b}' President Cleveland. 



COLC^NRL ALEXANDER DUNCAN ADAMS. 

The fourth son of Gen. William II. 7\dams, was born at 
Lyons, N. \\, on the 25th of December, 1832. He en- 
tered Hobart College, at Geneva, in 1852. After leaving 
college, he was engaged as Civil Engineer on the Erie 
Canal enlargement, for a few years, when he accepted an 
appointment as teacher in the Lyon's Union School. He 
responded to the first call for volunteers, and raised the 
first company in Wayne county. He was promoted to 
Lieutenant-Colonel after the first battle of Bull Run, and to 
Colonel after the battle of Antietam. At the close of his 
term of service he returned to Lyons, and became Principal 
of the Union School, which position he liehl for five )ears. 
Declining health prevented active employment after this. 
He died of consumption on the 28th of October, 1872, 
leax'ing a widow and one daughter. 



BIOGRAPHY OF MAJOR GARDINER. 243 

MAJOR CURTISS C. GARDINER 

Was born Dec. ist, 1822, in Eaton, Madison County. N. Y. 
At the age of fourteen he removed, with his father's family, 
to AngeHca, N. V. On the fall of Fort Sumter, he was 
practicing law, but immediately relinquished his profession, 
and recruited a company of volunteers at Angelica, of which 
he was commissioned Captain ; and the company was ac- 
cepted into the State service May 13th, 1861 ; and on May 
i6th the company departed from Angelica, and reported at 
the State Military Depot at Elmira ; and on May 21st the 
company was assigned to a regiment, and designated as 
Company " I," in the 27th Regiment N. Y. Volunteers. 
On the 1st of September, 1861, Captain Gardiner was pro- 
moted, to fill a vacancy, to Major of the same regiment. 
The records of the regiment show his military services, 
complete. 

In the battle of Gaines' Mill, Major Gardiner was injured 
by a shell, but remained with the army until its retreat to 
Harrison's Landing, where, on the 3d of July, 1862, he was 
ordered sent north on Surg. Barnes' certificate of disability. 
On his arrival at Washington, he was granted leave of ab- 
sence for thirty days, on Surgeon's certificate of disability, 
"on account of wounds," by S. O. No. 155, War Depart- 
ment, and G. O., Washington, July 7th, 1862, and returned 
to his home in Angelica ; and in consequence of a continu- 
ance of his disability, he forwarded his resignation from the 
service, to the War Department, which was accepted by the 
Adjutant-General of the Army, July 24th, 1862. 

Major Gardiner was subsequently brevetted Colonel of 
U. S. Volunteers, for "gallant and meritorious services dur- 
ing the war." In 1864 he was assigned to the U. S. Muster- 
ing and Disbursing Ofifice at Elmira. In 1867 he was ap- 
pointed U. S. Assessor of Internal Revenue of the 27th 
District of New York, at Elmira. In 1868, he was the 
Conservative candidate for Congress in the 27th District of 
New York. In 1873 he removed to the City of St, Louis, 
Mo,, which is his present home. 



IN rvlKNlORlANI, 




Dr. Norman S. Barnes. 



"The harp that once through Tara's halls, 
Its soul of music shed ; 
Now hangs as mute on Tara's walls 
As if that soul were dead." 

When the last toll of the funeral bell dies away upon the 
solemn air of death, and what was mortal is laid to rest, we 
instinctively turn to preserve in some form the biography 
of the departed. 

" His life was gentle, and the elements 
So mixed in him that Nature might stand up, 
And say to all the world, 'This was a man.'" 



BIOGRArHV OF DR. BARNES. 245 

DR. NORMAN S. BARNES. 

On Saturday morning, April i8th, 1885, Dr. Norman S. 
Barnes, after a severe and protracted illness, in which the 
highest patience and courage were shown, died at his resi- 
dence, 365 Warren avenue, Chicago, 111. His life for ten 
years preceding death, was filled with physical pain, having 
suffered at the beginning of these years an attack of par- 
alysis of the optic nerves, terminating in the loss of sight, 
the result of a sunstroke received while engaged in the ser- 
vice of his country : and though doomed to silent medita- 
tion over this most unhappy affliction, his genial disposition 
shed sunshine upon an otherwise rayless sky. Born to lead 
and command, he was, however, of a gentle and loving 
mold, whose sympathies were enlisted with every good 
cause, and whose charities to the needy, financially and 
professionally, were without stint. He possessed in full 
those traits of character which endeared him especially to 
the young, for whom in all worthy pursuits and aspirations 
lie had words of cheer and encouragement. Scores of 
friends will not soon forget how pleasantly his conversation, 
sparkling with humor and brilliancy, would entertain them 
for hours ; nor should they forget how tenderly his ear 
would be given to their tales of sorrow or disappointment. 

The Rev. Dr. Lawrence, of the Second Baptist Church 
of Chicago, assisted by representatives of the Grand Army, 
Post 28, conducted the last sad rites over the remains of 
the deceased, which were quietly and simply placed in the 
cemetery of Rose Hill. 

Dr. Barnes was born at Avon, N. Y., in 1830, and four 
years subsequently was taken by his parents to their new 
home in Lapeer county, Mich., where the lavish mental and 
physical gifts that nature had bestowed upon him were nur- 
tured to great strength through the quiet, simple and thought- 
ful life he led until his seventeenth year, when his ambitious 
spirit naturally sought a wider field for cultivation and ac- 
quaintance with the world, which was gratified by taking 
his departure for Rochester, N. Y., in the hope of fulfilling 



246 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

a long cherished desire to enter upon the study of medicine 
Without influence and with but a Hmited supply of money 
he, however, soon found favor with Dr. Treat, of Rochester 
into whose ofifiice he entered ; but, after the lapse of a feu- 
months, the dread disease, cholera, appeared in that city, 
and when Levi Ward, then Mayor of Rochester, issued a 
public appeal for nurses, this young man quickly responded, 
and throughout that anxious period, won, for valiant and 
heroic conduct, the best opinions in particular of the medi- 
cal fraternity, and their brightest predictions of his future 
usefulness. Following the cessation of this epidemic, he 
decided to enter Amherst College, Mass., that the founda- 
tion for his medical course might be made as broad as pos- 
sible ; but after passing two courses at Amherst, he became 
restless to begin the studies that would fit him for the pro- 
fession of which he so earnestly wished to become a member, 
and consequently, at the very earliest session of the Berkshire 
Medical College, at Berkshire, Mass., then one of the best 
medical schools in the United States, he was duly installed 
as a student. At the age of twenty-two he graduated from 
this institution with high honors ; and on the departure, in 
the same year, of its Demonstrator of Anatomy, Dr. Tim- 
othy Childs, for an extended trip in Europe, Dr. Barnes was 
selected to fill his post, — a position in which he continued 
for eight years, and was the tutor of many who are now em- 
inent in their profession. At the beginning of the civil war, 
though intending at that time to make a visit to Europe, 
the fervor of his patriotism led him to sacrifice a valuable 
practice in Rochester, N. Y., to enter the 27th N.Y. Volun- 
teers as surgeon, which position he held until the regiment 
was mustered out, in 1863; but not content with this ser- 
vice, he applied for the position of surgeon in the regular 
army, and as there was no vacancy in that grade, after pass- 
ing the required examination at Washington, he willingly 
accepted the rank of Assistant Surgeon, from which, after 
a service of three months, he was promoted as Surgeon, 
and in a brief time was made Medical Director successively 
of the Sixth, Tenth, Eighteenth and Twenty-fourth Vol- 



BIOGRAPHY OF DR. BARNES. 247 

unteer Army Corps, and later Medical Chief of the Depart- 
ment of Virginia and North Carolina, with headquarters at 
Norfolk, V'a., positions which he filled with distinction. 
He retired from the army with an enviable record, in 1868- 
For gallant and meritorious conduct at the battle of Fort 
h'isher. President Lincoln bestowed upon Dr. Barnes the 
rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. At the close of his army ser- 
vice he returned to Rochester, N. Y., but remained only a 
few months, going thence to Chicago, 111., and when on the 
high road to success, with the certainty of achieving a dis- 
tinguished professional standing in the region of his new 
home, the loss of sight overtook him, and doomed him in 
the flower of manhood, to inactivity and mournful reflection. 
Much may be attributed to the domestic association of Dr. 
Barnes, in its bearing upon his early manhood, and the 
source of consolation it was in his years of suffering and de- 
cline. He was united in 1856 to Miss Kitty Burbank Wil- 
liams, of Deerfield, Mass., a lady of the highest cultivation 
and literary ability, whose death occurred in 1873. He was 
again united in matrimony, to Miss M. Augusta McPherson, 
of Chicago, in 1874, upon whom, through the long and try- 
ing sickness that followed, devolved the exacting duty of 
tenderly nursing and consoling her afflicted husband. 



248 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

A Soldier's Dream. 



liY DR. N. S. BARNES. 



I sometimes drcim I'm once more on the battle-field, 

There, where wounds are given, and where wrongs are healed 

Once more I hear the steady tramp of marching men, 

The rushing figlit, the cannon roar, through bush and glen. 

Once again 1 hear the cannon's thundering sound : 

I see its belch of fire, and feel it jar the ground ; 

See once more, the cavalr}' charge through flame and smoke, 

With carbine fire, baj'onet thrust, and saber stroke. 

High above clouds, on Lookout's crest, the old flag waves. 
Carried by Union hands, held there by Union braves ; 
And all along that crimson battle front I hear, 
Ringing in the air, the glorious Union cheer. 

And so unlike that horrid, shameful Rebel 3'ell, 
More like the shrieking cry from the demons of hell. 
I see the surging columns advance, break and reel, 
Rall3'ing again, they meet the foemen, steel to steel. 

Thus rages the combat, till, with the curtain of night, 
Comes glorious victory for the Union and right ; 
Again, high in the heavens. Independence sun 
Looks down on a battle fought, and Gett3'sburg won. 

With the sword's slash, cannon's shot, and with rifle lead. 
The ground is strewn with the wounded and with the dead ; 
I sometimes have wished, irreverent though it seem. 
That there among my comrades, still that wish I mean — 

That with victory won, at the close of a hard -fought day. 
When all is hushed — battle shout and blood)' fray ; 
I might have lain me down there upon a soldier's bed, 
A soldier's eternal rest, and a soldier dead. 

No, not dead, but only changed to other life. 
Where warring ceases, and there is an end of strife ; 
Where we no longer liear the sentinel's wear)' tramp, 
A rainbow — silver and gold, horizons the camp. 

Comrades, somewhere and somehow, in that other sphere, 
We will better, then, know why we have battled here ; 
And if there be rank in the Lord's eternal plan, 
'Tis moral worth, and not wealth, that will rank the man. 



BIOGRAPHY OF GENERAL SEDGWICK. 249 

GEN. JOHN SEDGWICK 

Was born in Cornwall, Ct., September 13, 1813, and gradu- 
ated at W^est Point, July, 1837. In this year, as a junior 
Second Lieutenant of Artillery, he made a campaign 
against the Seminoles in Florida. Subsequently he served 
upon the Northern frontier, in the Canada border troubles. 
Young Sedgwick accompanied Scott's expedition to Vera 
Cruz, and participated in the battles that followed the sur- 
render of that post, winning for gallantry displayed at 
Cerro Gordo, Cherebusco, Molino del Rey and Chepultepec 
the brevets of Captain and Major. He was present during 
the assault upon the Mexican capital, and at its capture. 
He was made Lieutenant-Colonel of Cavalry in the Second 
United States ; afterwards, in the same year, was commis- 
sioned Colonel of the First United States Cavalry. This 
was in August, and in the latter part of that month he was 
made Brigadier-General of Volunteers. 

During the fall and winter of 1861, Gen. Sedgwick com- 
manded a brigade of Heintzleman's Division. In the Pe- 
ninsula campaign, he was at the head of a division of Sum- 
ner's Corps, which participated in the seige of Yorktown, 
and the battle of Fair Oaks, where their arrival after a toil- 
some march largely contributed to the favorable ending of 
that engagement. His command distinguished itself at 
Savage's station, June 29th, and at Frazer's Farm, June 
30th, where its General was wounded, as he was also three 
times, severely, at Antietam. The wounds received at this 
place deprived the nation of his services until the following 
December. 

The changes of corps commanders which resulted from 
the change in the Chief Command of the Army of the Po- 
tomac, after the winter of 1862, found Gen. Sedgwick at 
the head of the Sixth Corps, as the Commander of which 
he is known to fame. 

In May, 1863, he was ordered by Gen. Hooker to carry 
the heights of Fredericksburg, and form a junction with the 
main army at Chancellorsville. The town was occupied on 



250 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

Sunday morning, May, 3d, with but little opposition, but 
the storming of the heights behind it cost the lives of sev- 
eral thousand men The advance of the Sixth Corps was 
checked at Salem Heights, about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, 
by a superior force detached by Gen. Lee from the main 
army confronting Hooker. The force opposing Gen. 
Sedgwick was further strengthened the next morning, May 
4th, and it was only by great skill and hard fighting that 
the General was able to hold his ground during the day, 
and to withdraw at night across the Rappahannock. 

•A- '.r -;■:■ -::- * * * * -x- 

On the morning of June 30th, 1863, the Sixth Corps, the 
right of the army following Gen. Lee, was at Manchester, 
northwest of Baltimore, thirty-five miles from Gettysburg. 
The events of the hour demanding the concentration of 
the army at the last place, the Sixth Corps made the march 
thither in twenty hours, arriving before 2 P. M., July 2d. 
The corps participated thenceforth in the action of the 2d 
and 3d of July. 

Gen. Sedgwick commanded the right of the Army of the 
Potomac, at Rappahannock Station, November 7th, also at 
Mine Run, November 26th to December 7th, 1863. 

Gen. Sedgwick was conspicuous in the battles of the 
Wilderness, and those at Spottsylvania. On the loth of 
May, 1864, he was killed by the bullet of a sharpshooter. 
He was universally beloved. In the Sixth Corps he was 
known as "Uncle John," and his death cast a gloom over 
the command, which was never dispelled. A monument, 
wrought of cannon captured by the Sixth Corps, was 
erected to his memory at West Point. 



BIOGRAPHY OF GENERAL FRANKLIN. 25 I 

GEN. WILLIAM BUELL FRANKLIN 

Was born in York, Pa., February 27th, 1823. Graduating at 
West Point, in June, 1843, lis vva$ assigned to the corps of 
topographical engineers. In the " Chihuahua Column," in 
the early part of Gen. Taylor's campaign in Northern Mex- 
ico, he served upon the staff of Gen. Wool. He was on the 
staff of the Commander-in-Chief at Buena Vista, and for 
"gallant and meritorious services" in that battle, was bre- 
vetted First Lieutenant. 

For several years prior to 1852. he was instructor in nat- 
ural and experimental philosophy, at West Point Military 
Academy. He subsecjuently filled the same chair in the 
College of New York. He was engineer in charge of the 
capitol in Washington, from November, 1859, ^o March, 

1 86 1. Naturally, the services of a loyal, trained soldier, so 
accomplished as was the subject of this sketch, were in 
eager demand in the sjiring of 1861. May 14th he was ap- 
pointed Colonel of the Twelfth United States Infantry, and 
three days later was commissioned Brigadier-General U. S. 
Volunteers. Gen. Franklin commanded a brigade in 
Heintzleman's Division at Bull Run. During the period of 
organization of the Army of the Potomac, and until its 
movement in the spring of 1862, he commanded a division 
which was first assigned to McDowell's Corps. The divis- 
ion was detached in the spring of 1862, and joined Mc- 
Clellan before Yorktown. Gen. P'ranklin commanded at 
West Point, near the mouth of the Pamunkey, May 6th, 

1862, and during this month organized the Sixth Army 
Corps, which he commanded till the following November. 
During this period he commanded in the affairs at Gold- 
ing's Farm and White Oak Swamp, June 27th to 30th ; com- 
manded the left at South Mountain, September 14th, his 
troops capturing Crampton's Gap ; relieved Sumner's com- 
mand in the afternoon of September 17th, at Antietam. 
In November he assumed command of the left grand divis- 
ion (First and Sixth Corps), and in the battle of the 13th of 
December, commanded the left wing of the Army of the 



252 RECORD OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

Potomac. In the following September he commanded the 
expedition against Sabine Pass, La. In 1863 64 he com- 
manded the troops occupying Northern Louisiana. He 
was with Gen. Banks at Sabine Cross Roads. In this battle 
Gen. Franklin was wounded, and had two horses shot under 
him. It was he who conducted the retreat to Alexandria, 
and directed Col. Bailey to make arrangements for the relief 
of Porter's fleet, by the Red River dam. Through the 
summer of 1864, on account of his wound, he was absent 
on sick-leave. During this period. Gen. Grant urged the 
appointment of Gen. Franklin to the command of the Mid- 
dle Military Division. He retired from the service in 1865. 



p 



ROSTER 



THE 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLUNTEERS. 



The following is a copy of the Muster-out Rolls of each 
company. The numbers following the name denote the 
age of the soldier when he enlisted. Where no date or 
remarks occur after the soldier's name, it is to be under- 
stood that he was mustered into the service with the regi- 
ment, May 2 1st, 1861, and discharged May 31st, 1863. The 
names of all recruits arc followed by the date of muster. 

The fact is not noted that the soldier may have been ab- 
sent from his company more or less of the time on account 
of sickness or wounds, and afterwards returned to duty. 

The original Muster-in Rolls of the regiment, on legal-cap 
paper, are still in the possession of Major Gardiner, and 
show the check-marks in pencil made by the mustering of^- 
cer at the time. These show that Co. " I " was the only 
company with every officer and man present to answer to 
his name. 

Co. "A," numbering 78 officers and men,* had 11 absent. 



6 

8 

3 
I 

o 
6 



* Nine borrowed men were included in Co. "A." 

The total number on the first Muster Roll, including 
field and staff, was 8og. 



" "B," 




77 


" "C," 




81 


" 'T)," 




81 


" "R," 




71 


.. up," 




85 


" "G," 




81 


" "H," 




83 


" -I," 




n 


" ''K," 




77 



254 ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. V. VOLS. 

FIELD AND STAFF OFFICERS. 

COLONELS. 

1. Henry W. Slocum, [nonioted to Brigadier-General, Sept. i, 1861 ; 
to Major-General, July 4, 1862. 

2. Joseph J. Bartlett, promoted from Major to ('oloncl, Sept. i t86i ; 
to Brigadier-General, October 4, 1862. 

3. Alexander D. Adams, promoted from Captain of Co. "B" to 
Lieutenant-Colonel, Sept. i, 1S61 ; to Colonel, October 4, 1862. 

LIEUTENANT-COLONELS. 

1. Joseph J. Chambers, resigned August 9, 1861. 

2. Alexander D. Adams, promoted to Colonel. 

3. Joseph H. Bodine, promoted from First Lieutenant to Captain 
of Co. " H," February 6, 1862 ; to Major, July 24, 1862 ; to Lieutenant- 
Colonel, October 4, 1862. 

MAJORS. 

1. Joseph J. Bartlett, promoted to Colonel. 

2. Curtiss C. Gardiner, promoted from Captain of Co. " I," September 
I, 1861. Resigned, July 24, 1862, on account of disability resulting from 
wounds received in the battle at Gaines' Mill. 

3. Joseph H. Bodine, promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel. 

4. George G. Wanzer, promoted from Captain of Co. " L" to Major, 
October 4, 1862. 

ADJUTANTS. 

1. John P. Jenkins, resigned, November, 1861. 

2. Melville W. Goodrich, promoted from First Sergeant of Co. " B" 
to Adjutant, December i, 1861. Dismissed, August 30, 1862. 

3. Charles E. Thomp.son, promoted from Private of Co. " D ' to Ser- 
geant-Major, November i, 1861 ; to Adjutant, August 30, 1862. 

QUARTERMASTERS. 

1. James A. Hamilton, resigned, October 7, 1862. Captured by the 
rebel General Stewart, while on his way home. 

2. James P. Kirby, promoted to Corporal, November i, 1861 ; to Ser- 
geant, February 8, 1862; to Lieutenant and Quartermaster, from Co. "D," 
October 7, 1862. Discharged by General Orders, No. 2, Nov. 22, 1862. 

3. Texas Angel, promoted from Private to Commissary-Sergeant, from 
Co. "I," July I, 1861 ; to Second Lieutenant, February 6, 1862; to First 
Lieutenant, September 26, 1862 ; to Lieutenant and Quartermaster, No- 
vember 22, 1862. 

SURGEONS. 

I. Norman S. Barnes, Surgeon from enrollment. 

surgeon's MATE. 

I. Barnett W. Morse, resigned, July 19, 1862. 

ASSISTANT SURGEON. 

I. William H. Stuart, Assistant-Surgeon from enrollment, Aug. 15, 1862. 

CHAPLAINS. 

1. D. D. Buck, mustered July i, 1861. Resigned, Feb. 26, 1862. 

2. John G. Webster, mustered Oct. i, 1862. Resigned March 18, 1863. 



ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y, VOLS. 255 

NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF. 

SERGEANT-MAJORS. 

1. Charles L. Gaul, promoted from Sergeant-Major to Second Lieu- 
tenant of Co. " B," September i, 1861. Died of disease, August 20, 1862. 

2. William H. H. Brainard, promoted from Private of Co. " D," to 
Sergeant-Major, September i, 1861 ; reduced to the ranks, Oct. 31, 1861. 

3. Clarke E. Ellis, promoted from Private of Co. " B," to Sergeant- 
Major, August 30, 1862. 

4. Charles E. Thompson, promoted to Adjutant. 

(,»l'ARTERMASTER-SERGEANTS. 

1. Lewis C. Bartlett, discharged for disability, August, 1861. Re- 
enlisted in Co. "A." 

2. Benjamin S. Coffin, prcnnoted to Corporal of Co. " G," November 
I, 1861 ; to Quartermaster Sergeant, March i, 1862. 

COMMISSARY SERGEANTS. 

1. Texas Angel, mustered July i, 1861 ; promoted from Private of 
Co. " I," to Sergeant, Sejjtember i, 1S61, to Commissary Sergeant, March 
1, 1862. 

2. Daniel P. Newell, mustered Aug. 2, 1861; promoted from Co. "K." 

HOSPITAI. STEWARDS. 

1. W. Fitch Cheeney, promoted from Private of Co. " E," to Hos- 
pital Steward, June i, 1861. Discharged for disability, March i, 1862. 

2. Daniel W. Bosley, promoted from Private of Co. " E," to Hospital 
Steward, March 1, 1862. 

DRUM M.^JOK. 

I. George H. Cook, mustered out of service, October 18, 1862. 

PRINCIPAL MUSICIAN. 

I. Fred Bender, promoted from Corporal of Co. " E," June 30, 1861. 
Mustered out of service, October 18, 1862. 



COMPANY "A." 



CAPT.A.INS. 

1. William M. Blakely, 25, First Lieutenant to June r, 1861, then Cap- 
tain to February 8, 1862, when he resigned. 

2. Edwin D. Comstock, 21, transferred and promoted from Firs 
Lieutenant of Co. " D," to Captain of Co. "A," February 8, 1862. 

FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 

1. Henry Ford, 29, Second Lieutenant to June i, 1862, then First 
Lieutenant to August i, 1862, when he resigned. 

2. Thomas W. Dick, 32, First Sergeant to June 1, 1861, then Second 
Lieutenant to August 20, 1861, then First Lieutenant to January 30, 1862, 
when he resigned. 

3. Benjamin Rankin, 30, mustered February 18, 1862, appointed First 
Lieutenant, February 18, 1862, resigned July 27, 1862. 

4. Lewis C. Bartlett, 20, mustered August i, 1862, appointed First 
Lieutenant August i, 1862, detailed on Gen. Bartlett's Staff. 



256 ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

SECOND LIEUTENANTS. 

1. James C. Croft, 25, Second Sergeant to June i, 1861, then First 
Sergeant to August 20, 1S61, then Second Lieutenant to [aniiarv 30, 1S62' 
when he resigned. 

2. NichoKis Christman, 21, Third Sergeant to |une i, 1861, Second 
Sergeant to March 2, 1862, then Second Lieutenant to November 20, 1862, 
when he resigned . 

3. Alexander McKay, 29, Private to September 19, 1861, then Corporal 
to January i, 1862, then Sergeant to November 20, 1S62, then Second 
Lieutenant to March 20, 1863, then mustered out. 

4. John C. Fairchild. 22, Corporal to March r, 1862, then Sergeant to 
March 20, 1863, then Second Lieutenant. 

SERGE.^Nrs. 

1. Joseph Fitzgerald, 22, Private to April 1, 1S62, then Sergeant. 

2. William Nicholson, 23, Private to January i, 1862, then Corpfnal to 
November 20, 1862, then Sergeant. 

3. James Reed, 22, Private to January i, 1S63, then Corporal to No- 
vember 20, 1863, then Sergeant. 

4. Albert Blakely, Corporal to Nov. 2, 1861, then Sergeant. 

CURPUR.'^LS. 

1. Thomas Riley, 20, promoted to Corporal, Dec. i, 1862. 

2. William D. Gilleo, 23. 

3. Richard Champenois, 18, promoted July i, 1862. 

4. Andrew J. Beisinger, 19, promoted July 21, 1862. 

5. Henry Zorn, 28, promoted July 21, 1862. 

6. Norman P. Brown, 24, mustered Feb. 25, 1862, promoted Julv 21, 1862. 

7. Samuel Murdock, 22, mustered December 6, 1861, ])romoted March 
I. 1863. 

8. Alonzo E. Harding, 18, mustered March 17, 1S62, promoted March 
I, 1863. 

MI^SICIANS. 

1. John Hortou, 25, mustered June 25, i8f)r. 

2. Charles Jessu|), mustered September i, 1861. 

PRIVATES. 

Albaugh, Isaac, 21, mustered September i, 1861. 
Buckley, William, 34. 

3. Barnes, John, 33. 

4. Burns, Patrick, 18. 

5. Burns, James, 19. 

6. Bunyea, Albert, 21. 
Crawford, James R. T., 30. 
Collard, Augustus, 23. 
Conklin, Abram G., 25. 
Craigin, George W,, 23. 

11. Cronan, Timothy, 24. 

12. Dykeman, Albert, 20. 

13. Delavan, Charles H., ig, mustered September i, 1861. 

14. Dick, Charles W., 22. 



ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 



25; 



PRIVATES — Continued. 

15. Demarest, Charles, 18, mustered July 10, 1861, wounded and taken 
prisoner at Bull Run, July 21, 1861, returned to regiment, April 30, 1863. 

16. Felter, William H., 21, mustered March 4, 1861. 



3- 
4- 
5- 
6. 

7- 

8. 

9- 
10. 
II. 



i4- 
15- 
16. 

17- 



Gale, George, 19. 

Green, Lawrence, 23. 

Harris, Samuel, 18. 

Jones, William, 18. 

Lavinus, Abram F., 18. 

Lavinus, George, 23, mustered July 10, 1861. 

Martin, William, 22. 

McLean, Robert, 35, mustered July 10, i86i. 

McAinch, Daniel, 22. 

O'Brien, Andrew, 28. 

Pattison, Henry D., 18, mustered July ro, 1861. 

Quinn, C/hristopher, 21. 

Reynolds, Edward, 22. 

Shaughnessy, John, 22. 

Stokem, Alexander, 36, mustered Aug. 20^ 1861 

Smith, Willard, 25, mustered July ro, 1861. 

Williamson, James, 24. 

Whiston, Charles B., 28. 

Wright, Lewis, 25. 

White, Martin, 39, mustered July 10,1861. 



DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY. 

Billings, George, 18, discharged Februar}'' 10, 1863. 
Cole, John, 26, mustered Sept. r, 1861, discharged Feb. 10, 1863. 
Dibble, William, 26, discharged October 31, 1862. 
Dixon, John, 26, mustered Nov. 18, 1861, discharged Feb. 5, 1863. 
Driscoll, Timothy, 40, mustered Sept. i 1861, disch. Nov. 20, 1862. 
Evans, John, 26, discharged May 15 1863. 

Fisher, David G., 22, mustered July 10, 1861, disch. July 14, 1863. 
Gray, Charles, 18, mustered July 10, 1861, discharged Mar. 29, 1862. 
Johnson, John, 32, discharged September i, 1861. 
Kane, John, 21, discharged October 25, 1861. 

Mason, Nathaniel, 45, mustered July 10, 1861, discharged Decem- 
ber 24, 1862. 

12. Pride, Theodore, 21, mustered September 6, 1861, discharged 
February 10, 1863. 

13. Purdy, Eugene, 18, discharged March 25, 1862. 
Riker, William H., 23, discharged August 20, 1862. 
Sweeney, James, 25, mustered July 10, 1861, disch. Oct. 25, 1862. 
Travis, William, 18, discharged March 25, 1862. 
Thompson, Samuel M., 24, mustered March 4, 1862, discharged 

December 12, 1862. 

18. Wright, John, 23, discharged July 10, 1862. 

19. Wright, Nathaniel, mustered July 10, 1861, discharged May 25, 1862. 



258 ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

TRANSFERRED. 

1. Frazer, Henry, 20, tiaiislentd tcj Co. " II," Se])teiiiber 10, 1861, by 
order of Col. Bartlett. 

2. Tucker, Jacob, 21, trunsft-rrei] to Tu. "K," June, 20, t86i, by 
order of Col. Bartlett. 

DIED. 

1. Burke, Charles, 24, mustered July 9, 1861, died October 16, i86i. 

2. Cantlin, John, 26, mustered February 20, iSf)2, killed in battle of 
Crampton's Pass, September 14, 1862. 

3. Hawkins, Thomas, 33, accidentally shot, November 27, 1862, at 
Alexandria, Va. 

4. Hoyt, Jesse, 20, mustered July 10. 1861, died in hospital, Hayers- 
town, Md., October 2g, 1862. 

5 Murden, Jerry, 22, mustered July 10, 1861 ; murdered in Elmira, 
N. Y., July 21, 1861. 

b. Newman, John, 36, died in hospital, March nth, 1862. 

7. Simmonton, John, 25, mustered July 10, i8bi, died in hospital, 
Januar}' 12, 1862. 

8. Walker, Henry H., 20, died in hospital, Philadelphia, August 22, 
1862, from wounds recei%'ed at Gaines' Mill. 

DESERTED. 

1. Boyer, lohnG., 21, mustered Feb. 25, 1S62, deserted May 20, 1862. 

2. Chamberlain, John, ig, taken prisoner at Bull Run, Julv 21, 1861, 
deserted June 18, 1862. 

3. Corney, George, 21, from battle-field of Antietam, Sept. 16, 1862. 

4. De Noyelles, Levi L., 18, from battle-field of Gaines' Mill, [une 
27, 1862. 

5. Farrington, Uauiel D., 25, mustered July 10, 1861, from .Alexan- 
dria, Va., Sept. 16, 1862. 

(). Huver, John, 28, musteied July 10, i86r, from Alexandria, Va., 
April 20, 1862. 

7. Lent, Cyrus, 22, from Washington, D. C., August 22, 18O2. 
S. Nains, George W., 23, Elmira, June 18, 1861. 

9. Shaffer, Lewis, Sergt., 20, from Alexandria, Va., August 20, i8t-2. 

10. Shreaves, Charles, 23, from Alexandria, Va., Oct. 22, 1861, 

11. Sloat, Jesse B., 19, from battle-field of Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862. 

12. Washington, James F., 24, from Antietam, September 16, 1862. 

DROPPED FROM THE ROLLS, 

{Jn accordance imth General Order No. 162, Hc/rs. Army 0/ the Fotoinac.) 

Barret, Elias, 22, taken prisoner at battle Bull Run, [uly 21, 1861. 
Sherwood, Aaron, 21. 

3. Smith, Thomas, 19, taken prisoner, battle Bull Run, July 21, 1861. 

4. Miller, Samuel, 21, Musician. 

5. Bronson, James, 21. 



ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. V. VOLS. 259 

COMPANY " R." 

CAPTAINS. 

1. Alexander D. Adams, 28, Captain from enrollment to Sept. r, 
r86i, then Lieutenant-Colonel to Oct. 4, 1862, then Colonel. 

2. Henry R. White, 27, First Lieutenant from enrollment to Sept. i, 
1S61, then Captain. Wounded in battle of Gaines' Mill, [une 27, 1862. 

FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 

1. William H. Swan, 44, Second Lieutenant from enrollment to 
Sept. I, 1S61, then First Lieutenant to [uly 24, 1S62, then Captain Co. 
"H" until March, 1863, then resigned. 

2. William C. Belden, 19, Corporal to Sept. 1, 1861, then Fifth Ser- 
geant to Dec. I, 1861, then Fourth Sergeant to Aug. 5, 1862, then Second 
Sergeant to [uly 25, 1862, then F'irst Lieutenant, to Jan. 4, 1863, then re- 
signed. Lost left arm in the battle of Crampton's Pass, Sept. 14, 1862. 

3. Crosby Hopkins, 30, Third Sergeant to August 20, 1862, then Sec- 
ond Lieutenant to Jan. 4, 1863, then First Lieutenant. 

SECOND LIEUTENANTS. 

1. Charles L. Gaul, 26, Sergeant-Major to Sept. i, 1861, then Second 
Lieutenant to Aug. 20, 1862, then died of disease, at New York city. 

2. Charles Sherman 22, Fourth Sergeant to Dec. i, 1861, then Third 
Sergeant to August 5, 1862, then First Sergeant to [an. 4, 18(13 then Sec- 
ond Lieutenant. 

SEKCEANl'S. 

1. George M. Belden, 2i, Private from enrollment to Sept. r, 1S61, 
then Corporal to Dec. i, 1861, then Fifth Sergeant to Aug. 5, 1862, then 
Third Sergeant to [an 4, 1863, then First Sergeant. 

2. William Shattuck, 22, promoted to Corporal, Sept. i, 1861, to 
Third Sergeant, Sept. i, 1862, to Second Sergeant, Jan. 4, 1863. 

3. |ohn C. Hooper, 26, promoted to Corporal Dec. i, 1861, to Fourth 
Sergeant Sept. 1, 1862, to Third Sergeant |an. 4, 1863, wounded at Fred- 
ericksburg, May 3, 1863. 

4. James C. Bowen, 23, promoted to Corporal Sept. i, 1861, then to 
ranks Dec. i, 1861, then Fifth Sergeant to Jan. 4, 1863, then Fourth Sergt. 

5. William Rooker, 25, promoted from Corporal to Fifth Sergeant 
Jan. 4, 1863. 

COKFOKALS. 

1. John D. Mr\'^icar, 21, wounded in battle of Gaines' Mill, June 
27, 1862. 

2. Almeron Crannell, 20, promoted to Cor])oral August i, 1862. 
Taken prisoner at Hull Run, July 21, 1861. 

3. |ohn Fosmire, 24, promoted to Corporal August i, 1862. 



James Ellison, 26, promoted to Corpcjral Sept. i, 1862. 
foseph C. Sampson, 24, promoted to Corporal Sept. 1, 1862. 
Franklin Hecox, 19, promoted to Corporal Sept. i, 1862. 
George C. Rooker, 18, promoted to Corporal Sept., 1862. 
Wm. H. Mclnt)fre, 20, promoted to Corporal Jan. 4, 1863. 



26o ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

PRIVATES. 

1. Allen, Willard, 18. 

2. Althen, Charles, 19. 

3. Adams, Lewis, 19, dropped and restored. 

4. Braden, Joseph A., 21. 

5. Brott. William, 18. 

6. Brown, Henry W., 26, wonnded in Initlle of Fredericksbnrg, 
May 3d, 1863. 

7. Bulyea, Francis, 18. 

3. Buell, Dexter, 19, mustered July 5, 1861. 

9. Cassidy, Andrew, 28. 

10. Czerney, Godfred, 28, mustered July 5, 1861. 

11. Disbrow, Robert, 19, taken prisoner May 4, 1S63, battle of P'red- 
ericksburg. 

12. Durkee, Robert M., 20. 

13. Durkee, James, 27. 

14. Dwinnell, Roderick, 20. 

15. Dwinnell, Myron fL, 18. 

16. Dunn, Gibson, 20. 

17. Eames, John C, 31. 

18. Ehret, Michael, mustered Nov. 28, 1861. 

19. Foster, George, 34, mustered Nov. 28, 1861. 

20. Hill, Sylvester C., 21. 

21. Hilliard, Thomas, 40, mustered July 5, 1861. 

22. Jensee, Charles K., 30, mustered July 5, 1861. 

23. Knoblock, John, 18. 

24. Klumpp, George, 18, mustered Nov. 27, 1861. 

25. Lehner, George, 18. 

26. Lawrence, Raymond D., 18, dropped from rolls, ami restored 
May II, 1863. 

27. Murphy, Cornelius W., 21. 

28. Murphy, Patrick, 18, mustered July 5, 1861. 

29. McCumber, Edwin, 18, mustered Nov. 26, 1S61. 

30. Mahane}', (ames, ii), mustered July ?, 1S61. 

31. Odell, Charles, 22. 

32. Puffer, Charles A., 18. 

33. Potter, Henry, 31, taken sick August 28, 1862, in hospital till 
Dec. 15, 1862. 

34. Pudney, Richard D., 19, dropped from the rolls, and restored, 
April 17, 1863. 

35. Roeling, William, 19. 

36. Rooker, Henry, 20. 

37. Smith, William, 18. 

38. Smith, John T., 20. 

39. Sherman, LaFayette, 19, taken prisoner, Dec. 12,1862, and parolled. 

40. Snitzel, John H., 18. 

41. Snedaker, James W., 21. 

42. Tindall, George W., 26. 



ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 261 

PRIVATES. — Continued. 
Tifling, Thomas H., 20. 
Thomas, William, 25. 

Walrath, George H., taken prisoner. May 4, 1863, at Fredericksb'g. 
Westfall, David, 22. 
Williams, George W., 19. 
Westfall, Martin, 21. 
Whitney, Myron H., 22. 
Zimmerman, Augustus, iS. 

DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY. 



1. Bullock, Royal [., 44, discharged Dec. 29, 1862. 

2. Betts, Thomas S., 21, discharged Aug. 14, 1861. 

3. Cosart, John H., 17, discharged Aug. 26, 1861. Minor. 

4. Carey, John E., 18, discharged Feb. iS, 1863. 

5. Foster, Edward P., discharged Aug. 10, 1861. 

6. Hill, Eben L., iS, discharged Aug. 14, 1861. 

7. [ones iJavid, 25, mustered July 5, 1861, discharged A])ril 14, 1862. 

8. Klimipp, Tliecidore, J9, mustered July 5, 1861, discharged 
|une 19, 1862. 

9. Kfng, Thomas, 24, mustered Nov. 25, i86x, wounded in battle of 
Gaines' Mill, discharged Dec. 31, 1862. 

10. Leonard, Ambrose, 19, discharged April 5, 1862. 

11. Leach, Edwin, 18, discharged Nov. 21, 1862. 

12. Miller, Otto, 32, discharged Dec. 29, 1862. 

13. Rhodenback, lacob, 22, discharged Oct. 25, 1862. 

14. Snilling, William, 22, discharged Dec. 17, 1862. 

15. Smith, George N., 18, mustered July 5, 1861, disch'd |an. 7, 1S63. 
if). Vosburgh, William, 19, discharged April 29, 1862. 

17. Van Amburgh, Abrani, 25, discharged August 3, 1862. 

18. Vaughan, James, 33, wounded in battle of Gaines' Mill, dis- 
charged Sept. 13, 1862. 

19. Wiley, Jonathan G., 2r, discharged Oct. i, 1861. 

20. Williams, Seneca, K), mustered July 5, 1S61, disch'd Jul}' 12, 1862. 

TRANSFERRED. 

1. Ellis, ("laik C, 23, promoted to Sergeant Major, Aug. 30, 1862. 

2. Goodrich, Melville W., 27, promoted to Adjutant Dec. 1, 1861, 
dismissed Aug. 30, 1862. 

3. Holmes, Robert E., 21, promoted to First Sergeant Dec. i, 1861 ; 
Aug. 5, 1862, to Second Lieutenant in io8th New York, and killed at 
Antietam, Sept. 17, 1S62. 

DIED. 

1. Allee, Edward, 21, wounded and taken prisoner in the battle of 
Gaines' Mill, exchanged, and died July 29, 1862. 

2. .Anderson, Rowland B., 23, [uly 2, 1862, died of wounds received 
in battle of Gaines' Mill. 

3. Brink. Chester, 38, prisoner, died in Richmond, July 2, 1862. 



262 ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOTS. 

DIED — Con tin tied. 

4. Dunn, Charles, 18, died of disease, Dec. 2, 1861. 

5. Ilennington, Edward, 18, died of disease, Nov. 20, 1862. 

6. Keesler, Alfred, 21, died of disease, Dec. 15, r86i. 

7. Laper, Frederick, 35, died of disease, Oct. 13, 1862. 

8. Mills, Joseph, 21, died of disease, Dec. 13, 1861. 

(). Morey, George, 23, mustered Nov. 27, 1861, died of disease, 
April 3, 1862, 

10. McElvain, William, iS, mustered July 5, 1861, died (ui\- 2, 1S62, 
of wounds received in battle of Gaines' Mills. 

Ti. Strickland, Lewis G., 18, died Tnly 2, 1862, of wounds recei\'ed in 
tlie battle of Gaines' Mill. 

12. Seavey, Joseph, 23, promoted to Gorjioral Sej)!. 1, 1861, killed in 
battle of tiaines' Mill, June 27, 1862. 

DESERTED. 

Blynn, Gliauncey, — , mustered July 5. 1861, deserted Aug. 13, 1861. 

Fingleton, |ohn 21, deserted Aug. 30, 1862. 

Fossett, Samuel, — , mustered |uly 5, 1861, tieserted luly 22, 1S61. 

Graves, Geo. ('., 24, mustered Nov. 28, 1861, deserted Aug. 30, 1S62. 

Martens, Adolph, 30, deserted July 22, 1861. 

Phillips, Andrew, — , mustered |uly5, i86j, deserted luly 26, 1S61. 

Richardson, David, — .mustered luiys, iSbi , deserted .Aug. 13, '61. 

DROPPED. 

1. Lake, Abram, mustered Nov. 2y, i86j, whereabcjuts unknown. 

2. Metzker, [acob, 44, Nov. 2y, 1861, sup])osed to have been killed in 
the battle of Gaines' Mill. 

3. Thorn, Samuel, 25, whereabouts unknown. 

4. Weaver, Spencer c;., 21, in hospital, Fort Srhu\ler. 



COMPANY "(' 



CAPTAINS. 

1. Joseph J. Bartlett, 26, Captain from enrollment to May 21, 1861 ; 
then Major until Sept. i, 1861; promoted to Brigadier-General Oct. 4, 1862. 

2. Edward L. Lewis, 21, First Lieutenant from enujllment to May 21, 
1861 ; then (Captain until Aug. 2, 1S61 ; then resigned. 

3. Charles A. Wells, 19, Second Lieutenant from enrollment until 
May 21, 1861 ; then First Lieutenant to Sept. i, 1861 ; then Captain. 
Assigned to duty as Ordnance Officer, ist Div , 6th Corps, Apr. 20, 1863. 

FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 

1. George H. Hurd, discharged Feb. 23, 1862, bv order Gen. Mc- 
Clellan. 

2. lames M. Watson, 20, promoted from Third Sergeant Feb. 15, 
1862, in command of the Company after |uly 2, 1862. 

SECOND LIEUTENANTS. 

I. James King, 20, mustered Feb. 5, 1861, promoted from Private 
Sept. 1, 1861, resigned March 8, 1862. 



ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 263 

SECOND LIEUTENANTS — Continued. 

2. John E. Ronk, 18, promoted from Fourth Sergeant Ma}- 7, 1862. 
wounded at Gaines' Mill, resigned Nov. 13, 1862. 

3. Eri S. Watson, 26, ptomoted from Corporal to First Sergeant Maj- 
7, 1862, to Second Lieutenant Nov. 13, 1862. 

SERGEANTS. 

1. Joshua \\ N. Williams, 18, promoted to First Sergeant Nov. 13, '62. 

2. Frederick L. Gleason, 23, promoted from Corporal May 7, 1862. 

3. Gilbert Mix, 22, promoted from Private Dec. 3, 1862. 

4. Robert Way, 20, mustered July 5, 1861, promoted from F'rivale 
Dec. 3, 1862. 

5. Allen Banks, 20, mustered July 5, 1S61, promoted from Private 
Nov. 13, 1S62. 

CORPORALS. 

1. Orlan Harmon, 36, promoted May 7, 1862. 

2. George W. F. Fanning, 22, promoted May 7, 1862, taken prisoner 
at Bull Run. 

3. Howard Evans, 21, mustered Oct. 18, 1861, promoted May 7, 1862. 

4. .'\lvin Gibbs, 25, mustered Julys, 1861, promoted Dec. 3, 1862. 

5. John Stowell, 20, mustered Sept. i, 1861, promoted Dec. 3, 1862. 

6. Alexander Bailey, 23. promoted Jan. 24, 1863. 

7. Charles F. Ycnnc, 20, taken prisoner at»Bull Run, July 21, 1S61, 
returned Dec. 10, 1S62, promoted Jan 24, 1863. 

S. Alonzo C. Tafl, 19, promoted Jan. 24, 1863. 

MUSICIANS. 

Lewis W. Chichester, 30. 
Claude Dcnipsey, 20. 

PRIVATES. 

Austin, William C, 25. 

Abell, Oramel D., 23. 

Anson, John, 26, mustered July 5, 1861. 

Allard, Andrew H., 20, mustered Oct. 12, 1861. 

Adams, Martin H., 20. 

Bacon, Orville, 20. 

Bowker, William H., 25. 
S. Benson, Henry N., iS. 

y. Benson, Isaac, 21, mustered Sept. i, 1S61, absent (sick) from Sept. 
15, 1862, to May 5, 1S63. 

10. Brown, David, 21. 

11. Brown, Simeon, 19. 

12. Black, Sherlock F., 20. 

13. Burrows, Worcester S., 20, mustered July 5, 1861. 

14. Barlow, Abel J., 21, mustered Oct. 16, i86r. 

15. Burrows, George W., 18, mustered Oct. 17, 1861. 

16. Bixb}^ Calvin H., 24. 

17. Bovden, John, 19, taken prisoner at Bull Run. 

18. Case, S. Girard, 24. 



264 ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

V R I V AXES — Con tin ueii. 

19. Clow, John, 21, mustered Sept. 30, 1861. 

20. Dorn, John, 19. 

21. Driscoll, Michael, 21. 

22. Divine, Eber S., 22, mustered Oct. 6, 1861. 

23. Fowler, Harvey C, 22, mustered Oct. 12, rS6i. 

24. French, Jonathan, 21. 

25. (xillick, Thomas, 21. 

26. Groat, Simon, 28. 

27. Hokirk, Oliver, 21. 

28. Johnson, Levi R., 19. 

29. Jay, William S., 18, 

30. Lambert, Clark, 19. 

31. Lovejoy, George, 43, mustered Oct. 18, 1861. 

32. Lovelace, James F., 25, mustered Oct. 16, 1S61. 

33. Leonard, Charles R., mustered Oct. 12, 1S61. 

34. Lakin, James C, 24, mustered Sept. 30, 1S61. 

35. Lull, Harrison, 19, mustered Feb. 5, iSGi. 

36. Millmore, Patrick, 22. 

37. Martin, Robert, 18. 

38. Pratt, Francis, 19, mustered Feb. 5, 1861. 

39. Post, Lewis J., 21, mustered Oct, 17, 1861. 

40. Sterling, Melvin F., 27. 

41. Short, Joseph, 32. 

42. Southwortli, Charles, 27, mustered July 5, 1861. 

43. Stoutenburg, Lawrence N., 20, mustered Sept. 23, iSbi. 

44. Tripp, William H., 19, mus'd Oct. 28, 1861, drojjped, and restored. 

45. Vandervort. John, 23, mustered Oct. T7, 1861. 

46. Van Alstine, William H., 35, taken prisoner at Bull Run. 

47. Whitman, Albert G., 23. 

48. Whitne}', Franklin, 19. 

49. Walker, Abram, 27, mustered Oct. 12, 1861. 

DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY. 

1. Blair, Morris P., 22, ("orporal, discharged Ian. 5, 1863. 

2. Ballard, Lewis W., 29, discharged Aug. 12, 1861. 

3. Blanshan Everett, iS, mustered Oct. 12, 1861, discharged Feb. 
9. 1S63. 

4. Burrows, Aver}- W., 21, mustered Oct. 17, r86i, discharged 
Feb. 9, 1863. 

5. Butler, John W., 19, discharged Jan. 28, 1863. 

6. Coe, Henry, 21, discharged March 28, 1862. 

7. Crutnb, Samuel B., 19, musician, discharged Aug. i, 1861. 

S. Conrow, Jacob, 44, mustered Oct. 16, 1S61, discharged fan. 5, 1863. 

9. Cafferty, Edward M., 19, discharged Aug. 12, r86i. 

10. Durand, Frederick, 18, taken prisoner at Bull Run, [uiv 21, 
1S61, wounded in battle of Crampton's Pass, discharged March 14, 1S63. 

11. Hokirk, George, 18, discharged Sept. 30, 1861. 



ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 265 

DISCHARGED KOR PISABILITY — Continued. 

12. Hulse, Hiram W., 44, mustered Oct. 16, 1861, discharged Feb. 10, 
1862, on account of injuries received vB'hile in line of duty. 

13. Hotchkiss, Horatio G., 30, mustered Oct. 16, 1861. discharged 
April 25, T862. 

14. Hangi, Joseph, 30, discharged April 14, 1863. 

15. Lynch, Thomas, 44, mustered Oct. 23, 1861, discharged Dec. 3, 
1862 ; old age ; fifth enlistment. 

r6. Lakin, Chester, 26, mustered July 5, 1S61, discharged Oct. 12, 
1862, loss of finger by accident. 

17. Landphier, Deronda, 18, mustered July 5, 1S61, discharged 
.Aug. 6, 1861. 

18. McGuire, Michael, 20, mustered July 5, 1861, discharged Jan. 
10, 1862. 

ig. Perry, Charles, 18, discharged Jan. 10, 1862. 

20. Potter, Wm. H., 22, mustered Feb. 5, '61, discharged Aug. 12, 1862. 

21. Schramm, Charles B., 33, discharged Oct. 31, 1862. 

22. Service, Charles W.. mustered Feb. 5, 1861, discharged Aug. 
8. 1861. 

23. Tompkins, William H., 24, discharged Dec. 28, 1861. 

24. Tompkins, Thomas W., 20, discharged Aug. 6, 1861. 

25. Wheeler, Henry O., 21, Sergeant, mustered Feb. 5, 1861, discharged 
Jan. 17, 1862. 

DIED. 

T. Andrews, George M., ig, taken prisoner at battle of Bull Run, 
died in Richmond, Va., Aug. 15, 1861. 

2. Butler, George, ig, taken prisoner at Bull Run, parolled in INLiy, 
1862, died Aug. 21, 1862. 

3. Clark, Jason B., 20. died June 10, 1861, at Elmira, N. Y. 

4. Green, Martin, 28, died Dec. 11, 1861. 

5. Maine, Cornelius W., 23, Sergeant, died Dec. 23, 1862 

6. Shaw, Jas. G., 3g, mustered October 24, 1861, died March 29, 1862. 

7. Ward, James B., 33, mustered Oct. 16, 1861, died July, 1862, after 
having been parolled. 

KILLED IN ACTION. 

1. Butler, John, ig, at battle Bull Run, July 21, 1861. 

2. Coe, John, 20, at battle Fredericksbug, Va., May 4, 1863. 

3. Esterbrook, Samuel, 21, at battle Bull Run, Jul^ 21, 1861. 

4. Miller, Norman S., 23, at battle Bull Run, July 21, 1861. 

5. Parker, William H., 20, at battle Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1S62. 

DESERTED. 

1. Bartholemew, James, 25, deserted Aug. 7, 1861. 

2. Davis, George, 21, deserted Aug. 14, 1861. 

3. Dalton, Gilbert, 36, mustered Oct. 28, 1861, deserted Jan. 25, 1S62. 

4. Gaffeny, John, i8', mustered Oct. 7, 1861, deserted Sept. 17, 1862. 

5. Hill, John, 38, deserted Aug. 21, 1861. 

6. Larkin, Daniel W., 28, deserted April 15, 1862. 



266 ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

DESERTED — Continued. 

7. Leonard, Theodore M., 20, Sergeant, deserted Oct. 2, 1861. 

8. Richmond, Edwin S., ig, deserted September, 1861. 
g. Twitchell, Theodore, 22, deserted Aug. ti, 1861. 

10. Warner. Samuel H., 33, deserted July 21, 1S61. 

DROPPED. 

1. Barnes, William, 25, taken [irisoner at Hull Run. 

2. Barwise, James, 21, nurse in hospital at Fortress Monroe. 

3. Dunn, Geo. W., 21, Sergeant, taken prisoner at Bull Run, parolled 
in May, 1862, commissioned as Captain 109th New York Regiment, 

4. Davis, Eugene M., 24, Sergeant, taken prisoner at Bull Run, pa- 
rolled in Ma}^ 1862, commissioned as Captain Kjgth New York Regiment. 

TRANSFERRED. 

I. Cariner, Charles E.. 22, transferred to the Second Regular Battery. 



COMPANY "D." 

CAI'TAINS. 

1. Hiram C. Rogers, 20, promoted to A.A.G. on Gen. Slocum's stall, 
July 20, 1S62. 

2. Albert G. Northrop, 27, was Sergeant to July 21, 1861, SecomI 
Lieutenant to July 2, 1862, Captain to Nov. 27, 1862, when he resigned. 

3. Albert ]\L Tjdcr, 26, was private to lulv 20, 1S62, then Second 
Lieutenant (ill Nov. 27, 1S62, then Captain, assigned to duty as Assistant 
Commissioner of Muster, Ildqrs. First Div., Sixth Corps, April 20, 1S63. 

FIRST LIKUTENANTS. 

T. Henry C. Jackson, 26, resigned Aug. 7, 1S61. 

2. Edwin D. Comstock, 21, Sergeant to Aug. 7, 1S61, then Fiisl 
Lieutenant. Feb. 8 promoted to Captain of Co. "A." 

3. George A. Dickson, 24, promoted to First Sergeant Sept. i, tS6i ; 
lo First Lieut. Feb. 8, 1862. Dismissed by order President, Oct. 11, 1862. 

4. William M. Nimbs, 21, promoted tJct. 11, 1S62, from Sergeant in 
Co.. " H " to First Lieutenant of Co. " D." 

SECOND LIEUTENANTS. 

T. Asa Park, 35, killed in battle of Bull Run, July 21, iSf)i. 

2. Charles N. Elliott, 18, promoted to Sergeant Sept. i, 1861 ; to Sec- 
ond Lieutenant Nov. 27, 1862. 

SERGEANTS. 

T. Oliver A. Kilmer, 22, promoted tf) Corporal Nov. t, 1S61, then 
Sergeant May 6, 1862. 

1. Chancey J. Durfee, 25, promoted from Private Sept. i, 1S61. 

3. Edward M. Watson, 23, promoted from Corporal Sept. i, 1862. 

4. Frank Coleman, 18, promoted to Corporal Sept. i, 1861 ; to Ser- 
geant March i, 1863. 



ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 



267 



SKKGEANI'S — Continued. 
5. Charles B. Fairchild, ig, taken prisoneral battle Hull Run, July 2T, 
1S61; parollcd May 22, 1S62; returned to regiment Oct. 4, 1862 ; promoted 
from Cor))orai March i, 1S63. 

CDRPORALS. 

Lewis Walton, 34, promoted Sept. i, 1862. 



Lewis H. Brown iS, mustered Jul3'4, iSOi; inximoted Sept. i, iSCiT. 

Henry M. Crocker, 18, promoted Nov. i, 1861. 

Geo. O. Pratt, .8, mustered Aug. 22, 1861; promoted Sept. 12, 1862. 

Wm. H. Siple, 20, mustered Aug. 26, 1861; promoted Sept. 12, 1S62. 

Wm. \\. Johnson, 23, mustered Oct. 3, 1861; promoted Mch. t, 1863. 

Wm. H. (iray, 22, promoted March i, 1863. 

Williams, Elijah P., 18, promoted to Cor[)oral, Feb. 8, 1862. 



MLISK'IANS. 



Charles Winter, 22. 
Charles VanHorn, ig. 



I'KI\Ari'',S. 

-, mustered Aug. 30, 1S61. 



1. Aylsworth, William J. 

2. Burrows, John W., 24. 

3. Bentley, Francis, 36. 

4. Cole, Russell S., 21. 

5. Crawford, Alexander, 20, mustered Sept. 30, 1861. 

6. Case, John G., 20, mustered Aug. 30, 1861, dropped, and restored 
to roll, having been absent, sick in hospital. 

7. Dickinson, Alonzo, 23, mustered Aug. 30, 1S61. 

8. Dickinson, Reuben H., 25. 

g. Dyer, Pardee S., 28, mustered Sept. r, 1861, dropped, absent, sick 
in hospital, returned May 20, 1863. 

10. Fagen, James P., 20. 

11. Fowler, Frederick, 22. 

12. Finch, Abiel, 28. 

13. Forker, Richard, 20, mustered Aug. 30, 1861. 

14. Gage, Aaron W., 21. 

15. Gorman, Matthias, 22. 

16. Harding, Charles A., 23. 

17. Hobbs, Jonas, 35, mustered Aug. 30, i86i. 

18. Hurlburt, George E., 21, mustered Aug. 30, 1861. 
ig. Johnson, William E., 18, mustered Aug. 30, 1861. 

20. Kilmer, George L., x8, mustered March 20, 1SG2. 

21. Lay, William H., 24. 

22. McLaughlin, John, 24. 

23. Minkler, Jesse, 34, mustered Aug. 30, 1861. 

24. Moore, James E., 18, mustered Oct. 12, 1861. 

25. Paddleford, Zael, 24, mustered May 24, 1861. 

26. Pratt, David, 24, mustered Aug. 27, 1861. 

27. Piatt, Charles W., 20, taken prisoner at battle of Bull Run, Jul}^ 
21, 1861, parolled May 3, 1862, dropped, and restored to roll, Mar. 30, 1863. 



since Jan. lo, 1863. 



34 
35 
36 
37 
Bull 
38 

39 
40 

41 

42 

43 
44 
45 
46 

47 



ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

PRIVATES — Continued. 

Reid, Edwin S., iS, dropped, and restored to roll. 

Spencer, Benjamin P., 24. 

Spencer, Nelson, 21. 

Spencer, William W., 27. 

Spendle}-, William J., 20. 

Slater, Charles, 19, accidentally wounded, absent, sick in hospital 



Scott, Arthur, iS, mustered Aug. 30, 1861. 
Seymour, Albert, 19, mustered Oct. 3, 1861. 
Smith, Henry M., 25, mustered Sept. 30, 1862. 

Sampson, William P., 19, wounded and taken prisoner at battle of 
Run. 
Tanner, Watson B., 23, mustered Oct 12, 1861. 
Webber, Charles, 22. 
Wilkins, John, 30. 

Williams, Daniel F., 19, mustered July 4, 1861. 
Whittlesey, L. Hibbard, 20, mustered July 4, 1861. 
Wilson, Benton H., 18. 

White, Addison G., 28, mustered Aug. 30, 1861. 
Whitehead, James, 23, mustered Oct. i, 1861. 
Winchell, 21, Samuel, mustered Oct. 5, 1861. 
Waldorff, Henry, 31, mustered Oct. 12, 1861. 

DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY. 



1. Bartram, William H., 22, First Sergeant, discharged Aug. i, 1S61. 

2. Armstrong, Albert D., 20, Corporal, discharged Sept. i, 1861. 

3. Bolls, William D., 19, discharged Nov. i, 1862. 

4. Booth, Alva, 20, mustered Oct. 12, 1861, discharged May i, 1862. 

5. Burrows, Stewart A., 23, discharged May 8, 1863. 

6. CanoU, Heber, 18, discharged May, 1862. 

7. Crawford, Alexander H., 27, mustered Oct. i, 1S61, discharged 
March i, 1862. 

S. Crissman, Philip, i8, mustered Aug. 12, 1861, disch. Dec. 12, 1862. 

9. Cone, Clark J., 18, Corporal, discharged May 8, 1863. 

10. Francisco, Frank, 28, discharged Sept. i, 1861. 

11. Fairchild, Charles H., 24, discharged Jan. 8, 1862. 

12. Gates, William H., 30, mustered July 4, 1861, discharged Oct. 
31, 1862. 

13. Grimes, Frank, 28, mustered July 4, 1861, disch. Nov. 15, 1861. 

14. Howard, Asa L., 20, mustered July 4, 1861, disch'd Aug. 2, 1861. 

15. Hopkins, William H., 20, mustered Aug. 12, 1861, discharged 
May 25, 1862. 

16. Hughes, Albert, 23, mustered Aug. 12, 1861, disch'd Dec. i, 1862. 

17. Leonard, Gilbert, 18, mustered Oct. 12, 1861, disch'd Feb. 18, 1862. 

18. Lester, James, 30, discharged Feb. i, 1862. 

19. Monroe, Thaddias S., 22, discharged Dec. 3, 1862. 



RftSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. V. VOLS. 269 

DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY — Continued. 

20. McKune, Sidney A., 20, wounded and taken prisoner at battle of 
Bull Run, July 21, 1861, discharged Feb. 16, iSb2. 

21. Newman, Mclvin A., 20, Corporal, discharged Aug. iS, 1862. 

22. Osborn, Joseph R., 19. discharged Aug. 2, 1861. 

23. Paddleford, Newell, 28, mustered July 4, 1861, disch. July 21, 1S62. 

24. Payne, Deloss, 34, discharged Jan. 20, 1862. 

25. Randall, William J., 37, musician, discharged Jan 10, 1863. 

26. Sturdevant, Stephen A., 22, discharged Aug. 30, 1861. 

27. Smith, Charles W., 20, mustered Oct. 12, 1861, disch. July i, 1862. 

28. Thompson, Charles, iS, discharged Aug. 3, 1861. 
2(^ Tripp, Joseph F., 35, discharged Jan. i. 1863. 

30. V'anaukin, Gideon, 31, discharged Jan. i, 1863. 

31. Wilcox, George L., 27, discharged Jan. i, 1862. 

32. Williamson, George, 23, Sergeant, discharged Jan. i, 1863. 

TRANSFERRED. 

1. Hrainard, Willi.'uu II. II., 20, iirotiioled to Second Liculenant and 
transferred to C"o. " F," Dec. 14, 1S62. 

2. Kirby, James P , 28, promoted to Corporal, Nov. i, iSOi, pro- 
moted and transferred to Reg. Staff, Oct. 15, 1862. 

3. McCauley, James N , 19, mustered July 4, 1861, taken prisoner at 
Bull Run, transferred to — Pennsylvania Vols. 

4. Thompson, Charles Iv, 23, mustered July 4, 1S61, Corporal, pro- 
moted to Serge.mt-Major, Nov. i, 1861. 

DIED, AND KILLED. 

1. Bailey, John L., 21, promoted from Cori)ornl to First Sergeant, 
hot by rebel scout, at West Point, Va., May (>, 1S62. 

2. Burge, Irvin S., 28, killed in action at Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862. 

3. Brackett, Samuel, 26, mustered July 4, 1861, died Jan. 14, 1862, at 
Alexandria, \'\a. 

4. Dwight, Webster, 22, mustered Aug. 30, 1861, died Jan. 20, 1862, 
at New York. 

5. Dwight, Joseph B., 2(), mustered Aug 20, 1861, died Dec. 21, 1S61, 
at Alexandria, Va. 

6. Frederick, Ira, 24, mustered July 4, 1861, killed in action at 
Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1S62. 

7. Goodrich, J. Lafayette, 20, muscered Oct. 5, iSbr, killed in action 
at Crampton's Pass, Sept 14, 1S62. 

8. Harding, Henry A., 20, wounded at the battle of Gaines' Mill, 
June 27, 1862, died Aug. 15, 1862, at Philadelphia, Pa. 

9. Meecham, Calvin, 26, killed in action at Bull Run, July 21, 1861. 

10. Phelps, Oscar, 22, mustered July 4, 1861, died Aug. 11, 1862, at 
Philadelphia, Pa. 

11. Pardee, (^yrus, 26, wounded and t;ikcn prisoner at HliII Run, died 
in Richmond, about Aug. i, 1861. 

12 Snedaker, James V,, 19, wounded and taken prisoner al l^nll 
Run, died in Richmond, Va., Sept. 14, 1S61. 



2/0 ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

DESERTED. 

1. Hogan, John H., 25, taken prisoner at Bull Run, July 21, 1861, 
released Jan 21, 1862, deserted Feb. 14, 1862. 

2. Howard, Chester, 28, deserted April 4, 1S62. 

3. Hoyt, David, 25, mustered Oct. 11, 1861, deserted March 20, 1S62. 

4. Trail, William, 23, taken prisoner at Bull Run, July 21, 1861, de- 
serted March 20, 1862. 

5. Tiffany, George, 22, mustered Oct. 11, 1861, deserted Dec. 31, 1861. 

6. Ransom, George, 21, mustered Sept. i, 1861, deserted Aug. 26, '62. 

DROPPED. 

1. Coon, James, 20, wounded and taken prisoner at Bull Run, 
dropped by General Order No. 162, August 14 1862, submuster out, 
Aug. ig, 1864. 

2, Hedding, George, 17, dropped Aug. 14, 1S62, by General Order 
No. 162. 



COMPANY "E." 



CAPTAIN.S. 

1. George G. Wanzer, 21, promoted to Major, Oct. 4, 1S62. 

2. Edward P. Gould, 26, promoted from Second Lieutenant to First 
Lieutenant Feb. 26, 1862 ; to Captain Oct 4, 1862. 

FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 

I. Chas. S. Baker, 23, resigned on account of disability, Feb. 26, 1862. 
2 Geo. H. Robertson, — , promoted from First Sergeant in Co. "G," 
to Second Lieutenant July 22, 1862 ; to First Lieutenant Oct. 4, 1862. 

SECOND LIEUTENANTS. 

1. Joseph Webster, 28, promoted from Sergeant to First Sergeant 
Dec. I, 1861 ; to Second Lieutenant Feb. 26, 1862 ; died July 22, 1862, at 
Portsmouth, Va., while a prisoner, from wounds received at Gaines' Mill. 

2. Clinton E. Hodgman, 22, promoted from Sergeant Co. " K," to 
Second Lieutenant, Oct 4, 1862. 

SERGEANTS. 

1. William E. Hyatt, 24, promoted from Corporal to Sergeant Nov. i, 
1861 ; to First Sergeant Sept. i, 1862. 

2. Morton H. Gould, 25, must'd Aug. 28, 1861; promoted Sept. i, 1861. 

3. Chas. W. Peacock, 22, promoted from Corp. to Sergeant Sept. i, 1861. 

4. Newton Thompson, 25, promoted to Corporal Sept i, 1861 ; to 
Sergeant Sept. i, 1862. 

5. Duncan L. Brown, 32, promoted to Corporal Sept. i, 1861 ; to 
Sergeant Sept. i, 1862. 

CORPORALS. 

1. Frederick W. Crampton, — , mustered July 5, 1861 ; promoted 
Sept. I, 1861. 

2. James H. Price, 26, promoted Sept. i, 1861. 



ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 27 1 

CORPORALS — Continited. 

3. John P. Colby, 36, mustered Aug. 28, 1861; promoted Sept. i, 1861. 

4. l(jhn F. Cooper, 20, promoted Nov. i, 1861. 

5. John T. Clague, 20, wounded .ind taken prisoner at Hull Run ; 
promoted Sept i, 1862. 

6. Clark Sturdevant, iq, mustered Aug. 28, 1861 ; promoted Sept. t, 
1S62 ; wounded at battle of Fredericksburg, May 3, 1863. 

7. Thomas Carolan, 18, promoted Sept. i, i8fii. 

PRHATES. 

1. Bolton, Isaac, ig, mustered Aug. 28, 1861. 

2. Brophy, James, 36, mustered Aug. 28, i86r. 

3. Brady, William H., 22, mustered Aug. 28, 1861. 

4. Baker, George, 18. 

5. Bond, George A., 19. 

6. Bachman, Sigismund, 21. 

7. Bell, John L. Jr., 18. 

8. Bounds, John, 18. 

g. Cooney, Patrick, 46, mustered July 5, 1861. 

10. Coppernall, Andrew, iS, mustered July 5, 1861. 

11. Cowles, Roswell B., 18, mustered Aug. 28, 1861. 

12. Derx, Conrad, 20. 

13. Dumphy, Patrick, 19. 

14. Edson, John B., 23. 

15. Gunther, Frank, 19. 

16. Hall, John T., 20. 

17. Hibbard, Horace, 27. 

iS. Hickman, Joseph H., iS. 

ig. Hosnier, Henry, 19, mustered Aug. 28, 1S61. 

20. Harrington, Michael, 18, musician. 

21. Hilton, Peter, 21. 

22. Harper, Joseph, 18, mustered Aug. 28, 1861. 

23. Kneale, William, 28. 

24. Kent, George W., ig. 

25. Mason, John H., 21. 

26. Mack, John F., 22. 

27. Mylacraine, Robert, 18. 

28. Nealis, Michael, 18. 

2g. O'Conner, Christopher, 19, mustered July 5, 1861. 

30. Page, John G., ig. 

31. Phalan, Thomas, 28. 

32. Pike, Robert R., 46, mustered Aug. 28, 1861. 

33. Richards, Joseph F., 25. 

34. Ross, David C, ig. 

35. Reynolds, William W., 18. mustered Aug. 28, 1S61. 

36. Schomann, Frederick, 21. 

37. Schroeder, Frederick, 19. 

38. Tracy, Samuel, 20. 



2'J2 ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

I • K 1 \ A I lis — C \>ntiii //,-,/. 

39. Tieinay, Daniel, 24. 

40. \'unk, Joseph C. 22. 

41. \':iii Antwerp, John H., iS, nuisteieti Jiil\ 5, iSAi. 

42. Wilson, John, 25, mnstered Jiil\ 5, iS6i. 

43. Wallis, Frederick, iS, mnstered Aug. 2S, 1S61. 

44. Weeks, James E , 19, musteied Aug 2S, 1S61. 

DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY. 

1. Andrews, James M., 23, discharged Aug. 28, 1861. 

2. Armstrong, Delos, — , mustered Aug. 28, 1S61, dis. Feb. 10, 1S63. 

3. Bachelder, Milton D., 20, Corporal, discharged Oct. 4, 1S62. 

4. Baker, Thomas F., 22, discharged Aug. 4, 1S61. 

5. Booth, Cyrus M , mustered Aug 28, i86i, disch'd March 6, 1862. 

6. Burbank, John K., 20, discharged Jan. iq, 1863, from wounds re- 
ceived at battle of Gaines' Mill 

7. Butler, Edward, — , mustered July 5, 1861, discharged March 25, 
1863, from wounds received at Gaines' Mill. 

8. Cotrell, William O., 19, discharged Sept. 9, 1861. 

9. Elleriieck, Robert E , 25, First Sergeant, discharged Oct. i, iShi. 

10. Freeland. Christopher, — -, mustered Aug. 28, rS6i, discharged 
Sept. 15, 1862. 

11. Goodwin, Frank, iS, discharged -Sept 27, 1861, miiKjr and for- 
eigner (request of Lord Lyons). 

12 Gibbs, Augustus, 18, mustered Aug. 28, 1861, dis. Jan. 27, 1862. 

13. Hafner, Paul, — , mustered July 5, 1861, discharged Sept. i, 1861. 

14. Hanlon, William, [9, wounded and taken prisoner at Bull Run ; 
leg amputated ; discharged Nov. 2, 1S61. 

15. Hopwood, John M., 18, discharged Oct. i, 1861. 

16. Jumph, Walter V.. 22, discharged Jul)- 6, 1861. 

17. Kelly, Mark H., 26, discharged .Aug. iS, i86r, over exertion re- 
turning from Bull Run, July 21, 1861. 

18. Lawrence, Henry V ., discharged Aug. 27, i86r, being a minor. 

19. Merrill, William IL, 26, (^or|)oral, wounded and taken prisoner at 
Bull Run, July i\ , 1861. exchanged Jan. 3, 1S62. disch'd March 6, 1862. 

20. Morrison, Th(jmas, i<), discharged Feb. 14, 1S62. 

21. Mills, Charles, iS, no date given. 

22. Tallon, William, — , mustered Aug. 28, iS6i, disch'd Oct. — , 1861. 

23. Tourgee, Albion W., 23, Sergeant, discharged Aug. 8, iS6r, in- 
jury of spine received at Bull Run, July 21, 1861. 

24. Wadsworth, Charles, 19, discharged Dec 31, 1S62. 

25. Watson, John 19, discharged Feb. 8, 1S63. 

TRANSFERRED. 

1. Bosley, Daniel. W., 21, ])rom()i('d to hospital steward of regiment. 

2. Cole, Daniel !)., — , mustered .Vug. 2S, i86r, transferred to 86th 
Regiment N. Y. Volunteers, June 18, 1862. 

3. Cheney, W. Fitch, 28, promoted to hospital steward of regiment. 



UOSTKR ()!■ 27111 R]':(;i.\1F,NT N. V. VOLS. 2/3 

DIED AND KILLED. 

1. Crawford, Walter, — , mustered Aug. 28, 1861, died Feb. 25, 1865, 
at Smoketown (Md.) hospital. 

2. Dee, John, died Jan. 29, 1862. 

3. Durkee, LaFayette, — , mustered Aug. 28, i86r, killed at bailie of 
Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862. 

4. Fuller, Gilbert W., 2g, musician, killed June 5, 1862, at Mcrhan- 
icsville, Va, 

5. Guiner, Jacob G., 21, died May 29, 1S62, at Savage Station, Va. 

6. Hosmer, Charles A., 18, killed in battle of Fredericksburg, Va., 
May 3, 1863. 

7. Lavis, Richard, — , mustered Aug. 28, 1861, died Nov. i, 1862, at 
Hagerstown, Md. 

8. Richardson, William, — , mustered July 5, 1861, died Nov. 7, 1862, 
at Hagerstown, Md. 

9. Stillson, Everard P., 22, Corporal, promoted to Sergeant, killed at 
Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862, 

DESERTED. 

1. Ambrose, Edward T., iS, deserted Aug. 13, 1861, from Washing- 
ton, D. C. 

2. Arnott, John T., 21, deserted Aug. 10, 1861, on furlough since 
Aug. I, 1861. 

3. Decroyft, Abram W., 24, deserted July 6, 1861, from Elmira, N.Y. 

4. Goubleman, Edward, 18, deserted Feb. 4,1862, from Camp Frank- 
lin, Va. 

5. Hislop, Ebenezer, deserted Feb. 4, 1862, from Camp Franklin, Va. 

6. Halstead, James W, — , Corporal, mustered July 5. 1861, deserted 
Aug. I, 1862, from hospital, Portsmouth, Va. 

7. Jenks, Woodburn C, 21, deserted Aug. 18, 1862, on the march 
from Harrison's Landing. 

8. Moore, James, 20, deserted August 5, 1861. 

9 Morton, Henrj^, 22, promoted to Sergeant Oct. i, 1861, deserted 
Aug. 8, 1862, from Harrison's Landing, Va. 

10. O'Brien, Patrick, — , mustered July 5, i86i, deserted Aug. 21, 
•I 861, still on furlough of 7 days. 

11. McGettrick, Michael, 21, taken prisoner at Bull Run, exchanged, 
but never returned to Company. 

12. Marshall, Charles, — , mustered Aug. 28, 1S61, deserted April 8, 
1862, from Catlett's Station, Va. 

13. Patnode, John, 19, deserted Aug. i, 1861. 
14 Putney, William, 21, deserted July, t86i. 
15. White, James, 18, deserted July, 1861. 



274 ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

COMPANY "F." 

CAPTAINS. 

1. Peter Jay, 37, resigned Aug. 14, 1S62. 

2. William H. H. Brainard, promoted to Second Lieutenant from Co. 
" D," Dec 14, 1861 ; to Captain, Aug. 14, 1862 ; resigned Nov. 27, 1862. 

3. George H. Roman, 20, promoted from Corporal to Sergeant, Aug. 
I, 1861 ; to Second Lieutenant, Aug. 14, 1S62 ; to Captain, Nov. 27, 1862. 

FIRST I.IEU'I-ENANTS. 

1. William S. Sheldon, 23, resigned Aug. i, i86t, 

2. Lafa3'ette Cross, 35, promoted from Second Lieutenant to First 
Lieutenant, Aug. i, 1861, resigned Feb. 22, 1862. 

3. Andrew Patrullo, — , appointed First Lieutenant, Feb. 22, 1S62, 
resigned Jan. 18, 1863. 

4. John R. Briggs, 21, [iromoted from Second Lieutenant Co. " G," 
Jan. iS, 1863. 

SECO.NM) I.IEl'TENANTS. 

1. Fiank E. Northrop, 20, promoted from Sergeant, Aug. I, 1861, re- 
signed Dec. 14, 1861. 

2. Frederick Randall, 21, promoted from Corporal to Sergeant Sept. 
I, i86r, reduced to ranks fuly i, 1862, promoted to Second Lieutenant, 
Nov. 27, 1862. 

skr(;eants. 

1. Joseph L. Ross, 28, promoted to First Sergeant, Aug. i, 1862, from 
Sergeant. 

2. Luther N. Hubbard, 23. 

3. Daniel W. Wetherell, promoted to Corporal, Aug. i, 1861, to Ser- 
geant, July 27, 1S62. 

4. William M. Robinson, 22, mustered July 5, 1861, promoted tf) 
Corporal, Sept. i, 1861, to Sergeant, Feb. 20, 1S63. 

5. Rollin B. Truesdell, 2r, promoted to Corporal, Nov. i, 1862 ; to 
Sergeant, Feb. 20, 1S63. 

CORPORALS. 

1. Edwin I. \Vili)iir, iS, promoted Aug. i, 1862. 

2. Thompson i'. liowland, 23, mustered July 8, 1861; pKjmoted 
Sept. I, lS()i. 

3. Albert Kiiithn, 26, mustered |uly 8, iSAi ; piomoted Sept. i, 1861. 

4. Williaiu B. Westervelt, 24, promoted Sept. i, 1861. 

5. |ohn N. Kennedy, 22, ])romoted .A.ug. i, 1862. 

6. Solomon Darling, 24, promoted Sept. i, 1S62. 

7. Harrison Guiles, 20, promoted Nov. i, 1862. 

8. Sanford Bradbury, 21, promoted Feb. 20, 1S63. 

MUSICIAN. 

r. Thomas C. Smith, 18, mustered July 5, 1861. 

PRIVATES. 

r. Bogart, lames S., 23, mustered Oct. 21, 1861. 
2. Brown, Hiram, Jr., 19. 



ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 275 

PRIVATES — Continued. 

3. Buinside, Gould, 18, musteicci Oct. 3, 1S61. 

4. Bowker, Charles A., 19. 

5. Corey, Henry, 19. 

6. Ciimmings, Benjamin, 20. 

7. Conklin, Owen D., 21. 

8. Corby, Leonard, 21, mustered July 5, 1S61. 

9. Dunning, James L., 24. 

10. Dunning, John, 28. 

11. Evans, Bailey, 20, mustered July 5, 1S61. 

12. Evans, lames H., 18. 

13. Finch, George W., 19. 

14. Gorman, Nathaniel, 42. 

15. Handy, Charles O., 27. 

16. Hayes, Timothy, 18. 

17. Holland, Harlan, 21. 

18. Houlihan, Patrick, 19. 

19. Howland, Warren, 35. 

20. Kearn, John, 24, taken prisoner at Bull Run. 

21. Keeler, David T., 21, mustered Oct. 21, 1S61 ; wounded at battle 
of Crampton's Pass, Sept. 14; in hospital till M.ay 17, 1S63. 

22. Kelly, Thomas, 21. 

23. Lander, Oscar K., 19. 

24. Lester, David A., 19. 

25. Miller, Charles, 36. 

26. Monroe, Alexander, 23, mustered Oct. 21, 1861. 

27. Ostrander, J., Washington, 19. 

28. Perry, Albert, 23, mustered July 8, 1861. 
2g. Redfield, Henry, 23. 

30. Rood, Andrew, 21. 

31. Slater, Timothy S., 19. 

32. VanValkenburg, William S., 19, taken prisoner at Bull Run ; re- 
turned to regiment Feb. 10, 1S63. 

33. Welch, Albert, 25. 

34. Wright, Reuben A., iS, taken prisoner at Bull Run ; returned to 
regiment April 7, 1S63. 

35. Walker, David, 24. 

36. Yates, Theodore H., 21, taken prisoner at Bull Run, |uly2l, 1S61. 

DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY. 

Benedict, Ira C, 20, Aug. 8, i8f)i. 

Bishop, George W., iS, mustered Oct. 2, 1861 ; disrh. June 24, '62. 

Benedict, George H., 18, June 24, 1862. 

Butts, Charles W., 22, wounded at Gaines' Mill; disch. Sept. 24, '62. 

Barry, James, 34, wounded at Gaines' Mill ; disch. May i, 1S63. 

Cooper, George, 21, mustered July 3, 1861 ; disch. Jan. i, 1862. 

Crary, Charles, 18, mustered Oct. 2, 1861 ; disch. March 21, 1862. 



276 ROSTER OF 27TII RP:GIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY — CimtillHCci. 

9. Diirfee, James, 40, Dec. 11, 1862, at Philadelphia. 

10. Davis, Joseph L., 18, disch. Sept. 24, 1862, from wounds received 
at battle of Gaines' Mill. 

11. French, Franklin, 41, mnsician, discharged Dec. 12, 1S61. 

12. French, William H., 20, mustered Dec. 2, 1861 ; disch. March 3, 
1863, from wounds received at Crampton's Pass, Sept. 14, 1862. 

13. June, John, 22, Corporal, discharged Aug. 16, 1861. 

14. Kelsey, George E., 21, mustered Oct. 3, 1861 ; discharged Dec. 15, 
1S62, from wounds received at Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862. 

15. Livermore, Edward, 18, mustered Aug. 30, 1861 ; disch. June 23, '62. 

16. Lobdell, Rosander, 27, discharged Nov. 20, 1862. 

17. Lade, Joseph, 23, discharged Dec. 31, 1862, from wounds received 
at Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862. 

18. Rose, Josiah H., 40, discharged March 3, 1863. 

19. Spencer, James, 23, discharged Aug. 8, 1861. 

20. Shaw, Philander P.. 20, mustered Julys, :86i ; disch. July 3, 1863. 

21. Troop, Lucius, 18, discharged Feb. 20, 1863. 

22. Van Dusen, Charles, 24, mustered July 5, 1861; disch. .\pr. 16, '63. 

23. Williams, Henry, 18, discharged Nov. 24, 1862. 

24. Whitney, Harvey D., ig. Sergeant ; was Corporal till Aug. 14, '62 ; 
discharged Feb. 20, 1863. 

DIED, AND KILLED. 

1. Benedict, Davolson P., 24, Sergeant, July 27, 1862. 

2. Burgee, Charles, 20, Oct. 20, 1862. 

3. Coon, Jesse P., 28, Dec. 25, 1861. 

4. Cresson, Miles, 18, killed in battle of Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862. 

5. Curren, William E., 18, Feb. 2, 1862. 

6. Ferguson, John R., 26, Aug. 16, 1861. 

7. Hawkins, Daniel, 23, March 12, 1862. 

8. Lockwood, Silas W., 26, mustered July 5, 1861 ; died Feb. 9, 1863. 

9. Rogers, Frank B., 'g, killed at Crampton's Pass, Sept. 14, 1862. 

10. Reynolds, James D., 19, Nov. 24, 1862. 

11. Randall, Wesley, 25, mustered fuly 5, 1861 ; killed in the battle 
of Bull Run, July 21, 1861. 

12. Turner, David M., 23, Jan. 28, 1863. 

13. Waterni;ni, James Frederick, 19, killed at Crampton's Pass, Sept. 
14, 1862. 

14. Warner, Edgar H., 21, taken prisoner at battle of Bull Run, July 
21, 1861 ; died Aug. i, 1862. 

DESERTED. 

1. Beckford, George W., 22, Aug. i, 1861. 

2. Barrow, Eben E., 26, mustered Oct. 2, 1861 ; deserted Mch. 31, '62. 

3. Barrows, Seth, 21, mustered Oct. 2, 1S61 ; deserted February, 1863. 

4. Boyd, Edward C, 18, mustered July 5, 1861 ; deserted July 7, '62. 

5. Evans, Charles E., 18, Nov. 9, 1861. 

6. Gerig, Harrison, 20, April 17, 1862. 



ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 2^^ 

DICSERTKU — Co)ltinil,\l. 

7. Holland, ('liailes, 19, Aug. 3, 1861. 

8. McAvoy, Joseph H., 19, April 17, 1S62. 

9. Osborne, William L., 21, Oct. i, iSfii. 

10. Pierce, IVlehiii I., Corjjoral ; promoted Sept. i, 1861; deserted 
April 17, 1S62. 

11. Sherwood, Charles C, mustered fidy 5, i8()i ; from battlefield of 
Fredericksburg, May 2, 1S63. Second desertion. 

12. Smith, William H., 24, mustered Oct. 10, Y)i ; deserted Apl. 17, '62. 

13. Snell, Archibald, 19, April 17, 1862. 

14. Taylor, Daniel H., 35, mustered Oct. 2, 1861; deserted Sept. i, '62. 

DROPPED. 

1. Corson, Nich(jlson A., 25, taken prisoner at Bull Run, lul\ 21, '6r. 
Never reported. 

2. Hygard, John, 19, missing since battle of Bull Run. 

3. Lawson, Allen, 20. mustered Oct. 3, 1861 ; sent to hospital Ma}' i, 
1862. Never since heard from. 

4. Watrous, Edwin M., 19, taken prisoner at Bull Run, July 21, i86r. 



COMPANY "G." 



CAPTAINS. 

1. James Perkins, 58, resigned Nov. 7, 1861. 

2. Philo D. Phillips, 29, promoted from First Lieutenant Nov. 7, 
1861, resigned April 26,1862. 

3. H. Seymour Hall, 24, promoted from Second Lieutenant Apnl 24, 
1862 ; after Jan, 1863, on detached service as Brigade Inspector on Staff 
of Gen. J. J. Bartlett. 

FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 

1. Seymour Pierce, 27, promoted to First Lieutenant from First Ser- 
geant Nov. 7, 1861, to Captain of Compan)- " K " June 9, 1862 ; after 
Nov. 7, i86r, on detached service in Signal Corps. 

2. C'harles Rock, 24, pn^moted to Corporal Nov. 7, 1861, to Sergeant 
Sept. I, 1862, to First Lieutenant Nov. 28, 1862. 

SECOND LIEUTENANTS. 

1. John R. Briggs, 21, promoted from Sergeant to First Sergeant 
Nov. 7, 1861, to Second Lieutenant April 26, 1862, to First Lieutenant of 
Co. "F" Jan. rS, 1863. 

2. Edward H. Brady, 20, promoted from Sergeant to First Sergeant, 
Sept. I, 1862, to Second Lieutenant [an. iS, 1863. 

SERGEANTS. 

1. |. Herbert Perkins, 24, mustered Sept. 21, 1861, promoted to Ser- 
geant Nov. 7, i86i, to First Sergeant Feb. 18, 1863. 

2. Arch. L. VanNess, 18, promoted to Corporal Nov. 7, 1861, to Ser- 
geant Sept. I, 1862. 



278 ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

SERGEANTS — Continued. 

3. \'an R. Pratt, r8, promoted to Corporal Dec. i, 1861, to Sergeant 
Nov. I, 1862. 

4. George Banks, 22, promoted to Corporal April 24, 1862, to Ser- 
geant Nov. I, 1862. 

5. Silas A. Sylvester, promoted to Corporal Nov. 7, 1861, to Sergeant, 
Fel). 18, 1863. 

CORPORALS. 

1. George A. Spring, 21, promoted June 21, 1862. 

2. John A. Copeland, 18, promoted Sept. i, 1862. 

3. Solomon Wood, 29, wounded and taken prisoner at Bull Run, 
July 21, 1861 ; exchanged Jan. 3, 1862, and returned Jan. 13, 1862. 

4. Charles F. Wells, 18, promoted Nov. i, 1862, 

5. Charles H. Mitchell, 23, promoted Nov. i, 1862. 

6. M3'ron C. Watkins, 24, promoted to Sergeant from Corporal April 
24, 1862 ; reduced to ranks till Nov. i, 1S62, then promoted to Corporal. 

7. Tyler J. Briggs, 23, taken prisoner at Bull Run, promoted to Cor- 
poral Sept. I, 1862. 

8. Michael Cavanaugh, 26, promoted Feb. 18, 1863. 

PRIVATES. 

1. Agard, Gardner W., 22, taken prisoner at Bull Run, July 21, 1861, 
released June 3, 1862. 

2. Atchinson, Jonathan B., 21. 

3. Baker, William N., 18. 

4. Brabon, Robert, 26. 

5. Boyd, Alexander, 20. 

6. Chappel, George H., 23. 

7. Clark, William H., 21, mustered Sept. 21, 1861 ; sent to hospital 
May 7, 1862. 

8. Emmons, Seymour, — , mustered Sept. i, i8fii ; taken prisoner at 
Savage Station, Jan. 29, 1862. 

g. Frazee, Robert S., 21, on detached service, General Hospital at 
Frederick City, since Sept. 14, 1862. 

10. Frazee, Charles W., 20. 

11. Gardner, Perr\', K). 

12. Grover, Charles A., 22. 

13. Hanington, Ovid G., iS. 

14. Hibbard, Henry, 24. 

15. Joiner, Andrew J., 20, mustered July 8, 1861. 

16. Jenkins, Artemas, 22. 

17. Loveland, Norman P., 47. 

18. Markham, Henry, 21. 

19. Marra, William, 18. 

20. Maltman, William, 25. 

21. Mileham, William, 27, taken prisoner at Bull Run, )uly 21, 1861, 

22. Marble, Albert B., — , mustered Dec. 14, 1861. 



ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS, 279 

PRIVATES — Continued. 

23. Merritt, John, ly, nnistered J11I3' 8, 1861, taken prisoner at Bull 
Run, July 21, 1861. 

24. Peak, Stephen, 2y. 

25. Preston, Atwood, 23, mustered Jul\- 8, iSOi. 

26. Rice, James H., 21, on detached service at First Div. General 
Hospital at Alexandria, Va., since June 29, 1862. 

27. Stone, Francis M., 20. 

28. Stone, Henry H., 19. 

29. Stirling, Henry H., 20, deserted Aug. 30, 1862 ; returned April 8, 
1863, under President's Proclamation. 

30. Speer, Jacob C., — , mustered Dec. 4, 1861. 

31. Taft, Myron L., 20. 

32. Wells, Henry G., 18. 

33. Willys, David, 21, left in hospital at Alexandria, Va., Aug. 28, '62. 

34. Willison, William, 28, absent without leave from Oct. 15, 1862, to 
April 17, 1863 ; returned under President's Proclamation. 

35. Westbrook, Nehemiah, 28. 

36. Willoughby, Thomas, 27. 

DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY. 

1. Butler, Joseph B., 21, Nov. 8, 1S61, on account of wounds received 
at battle of Bull Run, July 21, i86r. 

2. Bartlett, Charles E., 21, mustered Dec. 14, 1861 ; disch. Feb. 4, '63. 

3. Burr, Charles W., 21, Sept. 11, 1862, on account of wounds re- 
ceived at battle of Gaines' Mill. June 27, 1862. 

4. Bond, Edwin E., 23, wounded and taken prisoner at Bull Run ; 
discharged July 16, 1862. 

5. Carter, John H., 22, Jan. 20, 1862. 

6. Coe, William H., 20, Nov. 22, 1862. 

7. Dartt, Rollin P., 18, Aug. 12, 1862, by reason of wounds received 
at Gaines' Mill. 

8. Davis, E. Amergo, — , mustered July 8, 1861; disch. July 31, 1861. 

9. Hunt, Arthur H., 21, taken prisoner at Bull Run; disch. Aug. 4, '62. 

10. Hamilton, Mills D., 18, Feb. 11, 1862. 

11. Hall, William, 23, May 11. 1862. 

12. Johnson, William, F., — , mustered July 8, 1861 ; disch. Aug. 3, '61. 

13. Keeney, Ennis A., — , mustered July 8, 1861 ; disch. June 14, 1862. 

14. Loveland, John C, — , mustered Dec. 14, 1861 ; disch. Apr. 13, '62. 

15. Laty, Henry, — , mustered July 12, 1861 ; disch. July 12, 1862. 

16. Paul, Samuel, — , mustered July 8, 1861 ; disch. Aug. 8, 1861. 

17. Sewell, Thomas E., 18, Oct. 29, 1862, by reason of wounds re- 
ceived at Gaines' Mill. 

18. Steele, Lawrence J., — , mustered July 8, 1861 ; disch. Jul)- 31, '61. 

19. John Smith, — , mustered July 8, 1861 ; discharged Sept. lo, 1861. 

20. Stone, Theodore, 19, Dec. 2, 1862. 

21. Wells, G. Wiley, — , Jan. 12, 1862. 



28o ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

TRANSFERRED. 

1. Bender, Frederick, — , Corp., to Non-Commiss'd Staff, Mav 29. '61. 

2. Cook, George H., — , Musician, to Non-Comniissioned Stafi, 
May 29, 1S61. 

3 Coffin, Benjamin S , 23, Corporal, to Non-Conimissioned Stafl, 
Quartermaster's Sergeant, Ma}- t, 1862. 

4. Fleming. Benson S., — , mustered Aug. 30, 1862; May 14, 1S63, 
to Sixth Army Corps Hospital. 

5. Fladuny, George, — , mustered Sept. 1, 1862 ; May 31, 1863, sent 
back to Sixth .Army Corps, from Elmira, N. Y. 

6. Guinan, Martin, — , mustered Sept. 31, 1S62. May 31, 1S63, sent 
back to Sixth Army Corps, from Elmira, N. Y. 

7. McMahon, William H., 22, promoted to Corporal. Nov. 7, 1861 ; 
to Second Lieutenant of Co. K, Sept. 11, 1862. 

8. Robertson, George H, — , promoted from Sergeant to First Ser- 
geant .April 24, 1862 ; to Second Lieutenant of Co. E, Sept. 14, 1862. 

9. Smith, John B., — , mustered Sept. 8, 1S62, to Sixth .Army Corps 
Hospital, Ma}' 14, 1863. 

10. Woodard, Philo B., — , mustered Aug. 31, 1862, to Sixth Army 
Corps Hospital, May 14, 1863. 

11. Young, Frank, — , mustered Aug. 31, 1S62, to Sixth .Army Corps 
Hospital, May 31, 1863, from Elmira, N. Y. 

DIED, AND KILLED. 

1. Burlison, James IL, 24, Corporal, killed at (raincs' Mill, Iutie27,'62. 

2. Baxter, Wm. H., — , mustered July 8, 1861 ; killed at Gaines' Mill, 
June 27, 1862. 

3. Davis, Hiram, — , mustered July S, 1861; killed at Bull Run, 
July 21, 1 86 1. 

4. Dunn, James A., — , mustered Dec. 14, 1861 ; died Dec. 29, 1862. 

5. Dunn, John N., — , mustered Dec. 14 1861 ; died Aug. 27, 1862. 

6. Darrow, Andrew J., 21, killed at battle of Crampton's Pass, Md., 
Sept. 14, 1862. 

7. George, William. 32, Dec. 20, 1861. 

8. Gould, Henry M., 22, killed at (iaines' Mill, June 27, 1862. 

9. Headly, Oscar, — , mustered Dec. 14, 1861 ; died April 15, 1862. 

10. Hunt, George S., — , mustered July 8, 1861 ; died July 25, 1862. 

11. Hunt, Armenius M., 21, taken prisoner at Bull Run ; died in 
Richmond, Sept. 13, 1861. 

12. Lindsley, William F., 21. Aug. 20, 1S62. 

13. Miles, Alexander, — , mustered Sept. 2i, 1861 ; killed at Gaines' 
Mill. June 27, 1862. 

14. Roberts, John N., — , mustered Sepl. 21, r86i ; died Oct. 13, 1862. 

15. Robinson, Charles W., 21, Sergt., killed at (jaines' Mill, June 27, '62. 

16. Rappel, Eugene, 21, killed at (iaines' Mill, June 27, 1862. 

17. Wood, Nicholas K., — , mustered Dec. 14, 1861 ; died Feb. 18, '62. 

18. Webstjer Daniel, 21, died Dec. 19, 1862. 

19. Wright, Frederick, — , mustered Sept. 21, 1861 ; died Dec. 27, 1861. 



ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 



281 



DESERTED. 

Curty, Edward, 19, deserted June 30, 1862. 

Chattis, Thomas, — , mustered Aug. 31, 1862, deserted Jan. i, 

Dutcher, John, 26, deserted Sept. 17, 1862. 

Dutcher, Charles, 21, deserted Sept. 17, 1862. 

Fairchild, Andrew, — , mustered Dec. 14, '61, deserted JLineso 

Griffiths, Elias, 20, deserted Aug. 28, 1862. 

Lee, Abram, — , mustered July 8, 1861, deserted Sept. 12, 1861 

Melrose, Orlando, — , mustered Aug. 31, 1862, desert. Jan. i, 

Smith, Jacob L., — , mustered July 8, 1861, deserted Aug. 3, i 

Sutherland, Oscar, — , mustered Jul}^ 8, '61, deserted Sept. 17, 

Vosburg, Emory P., — , mustered Oct. 25, '61, desert. Aug. 30, 



■63. 



'62. 



'63. 
861. 
'62. 
'62. 



DROPPED. 

T. Hanna, John N., — , mustered Nov. i, 1861, left in hospital at Al- 
exandria, Va., .'Xpril ti, 1862. 

2. Stamford, Harmon E., — , mustered July 8. 1S61, wounded at 
Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862 ; has not been heard from since. 



COMPANY "H." 

CAPTAINS. 

r. Charles E. Martin, 41, resigned Feb. 10, 1862. 

2. Joseph H. Bodine, 24, promoted from First Lieutenant to Cap- 
tain, Feb. 10, 1862, to Major July 24, 1862. 

3. William H. Swan, 44, promoted from First Lieutenant of Co. "B" 
July 24, 1862, resigned March g, 1863. 

4. Sherman M. Seely, 38, mustered May 6, 1861, promoted from 
First Lieutenant March g, 1863. 

FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 

1. Joseph H. Bodine, 24, promoted to Captain Feb. 10, 1862. 

2. Sherman M. Seely, 38, appointed First Lieutenant April 25, 1S62, 
from a Private in Sturgess' Rifles. 

3. Edward C. Camp, ig, promoted March 9, 1863, from 2d Lieutenant. 

SECOND LIEUTENANTS. 

1. Oscar Phillips, 41, resigned Aug. 14, i86i. 

2. Edward Williams, 21, promoted from Sergeant, Sept. i, 1S61, re- 
signed Nov. 28, 1862. 

3. Edward C. Camp, 19, promoted to Sergeant from I'rivate, Sept. i, 
1861, to Second Lieutenant Nov. 28, 1862, to First Lieutenant Mar. 9, '63. 

4. Harvey R. Clark, 22, promoted to First Sergeant from Private 
Nov. 28, 1862, to Second Lieutenant March g, 1863. 



282 ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N, Y. VOLS. 

SEKGEAN IS. 

1. John Kruhtfii, 22, promoted to Corporal Sept. 1, 1S61, to First 
Sergeant Nov. 28, i.S()2. 

2. David Siniiiiiy, iS, proiriotcd to Corporal Sept. i, 1S61, to Ser- 
geant Nov. 28, 1862. 

3. Dwight, (irahani, 18, nuistered Sept 21, 1S61, promoted lo Cor- 
l)oral Sept. 15, 1S62, to Sergeant March y, 18C3. 

4. Benjamin 11. Tallman, 21, promoted to Corporal Sept. i, iS()i, to 
Sergeant March y, 1863. 

5. Henry Phillips, 21, promoted to Corporal Nov. i, 1S61, to Ser- 
geant March 9, 1863. 

COK['OKAI..S. 

1. James Roberts, 32, promoted Sept. r, 1861. 

2. William Briggs, 24, promoted Nov. 28, 1802, taken prisoner at 
Bull Run July 21, 1861. 

3. Daniel D. Stram, 24, promoted Nov. 28, 1862. 

4. Adam Miller, 23, promoted Nov. 28, 1862. 

5. Albert Young, 23, promoted Nov. 28, 1862. 

6. Charles L. Seiftert, 18, mustered Aug. 20, 1861, promoted Nov. 
28, 1862. 

7. George Stout, Jr., 20, promoted March 9, 1863 ; taken prisoner at 
Bull Run ; leg broken while a prisoner. 

PRIVATES. 

1. Armstrong, Selma, iS. 

2. Ashton, William M., 24. 

3. Cady George, ig. 

4. Clancey Michael, 18. 

5. Coffrin, George H., 20. 

6. Clark, David N., 36. 

7. Donahue, James, 23, taken prisoner at Bull Run, July 21, i36i. 

8. Dunlava, Anthony, 18, mustered Aug. 16, 1861. 

9. Flynn, Francis, 29. 

10. Jones, fames H., 26. 

11. Kemp, Walter, 24. 

12. Leddick, Samuel, 33. 

13. Martin, Charles A., 20, mustered March i, 1862. 

14. Morgan, Franklin M., 23. 

15. Magee, Marvin, 20. 

16. McCormick, Michael, 19. 

17. Miller, John, 18, mustered Aug. 16, 1861. 

18. McNeilly, Thomas, 21, mustered Aug. 30, 1861. 

19. McNeilly, Robert, 18. 

20. McCarthy, Denis, 21, nuistered Sept 21, 1861. 

21. McGalpin, Thaddeus L., 19, mustered March i, 1S62. 

22. McArthur, Henry, 18. 

23. Rathburn, Artemas M., 40. 

24. Ryan, Thomas, 18. 



ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 283 

r R I V ATES — Continued. 

25. Rulapaugh, John W., 22, mustered Sept. 21, 1861. 

26. Skelly, John, 18, mustered Aug. 22, 1861. 

27. Sheppard, Joseph A., 18, mustered Aug. 23, 1861. 

28. Talbert, Richard, 28. 

2g. Wheelock, Charles B., 18, mustered Aug. 30, i86i. 

30. Willis, Lafayette C, 25. 

31. Welch, William, 44, taken prisoner at Bull Run. 

32. Williams, Henry, 22. 

DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY. 

1. .Aplin, William W., 44, taken i)risoner at Bull Run, July 21, 1861 ; 
discharged Feb. iS, 1863. 

2. Bingham, George W., 20, Corporal, discharged June 15, 1862. 

3. Barney, George W., 18, Musician, discharged Dec. i, 1861. 

4. Cathrell, Abiathar V., 39,jdischargcd June 2, 1862. 

5. Dunn, John, ly, discharged June 5, 1862. 

6. Edsall, David A., 19, discharged Aug. 10, 1861. 

7. Fraser, William H., transferred from Co. "A," Nov. i, 1861; dis- 
charged Dec. 29, 1862. 

8. HcUikee, George, 35, discharged Feb. 7, 1S63. 

9. Hosmcr, Edward, 24, discharged Oct. 16, 1861. 

lu. Howden, .-Mcxandcr, 21, mustered March 26, 1862 ; discharged 
t)ct. 14, 1862. 

11. Hammond, Reuben, 23, mustered April i, 1862; disch. Dec. 17, '62. 

12. Hunt, Charles H., 20, taken prisoner at Bull Run; dis. Apr. 26, '62. 

13. Kellogg, John J., 39, Oct. 31, 1862. 

14. Nichols, John M., 23, Oct. 14, 1862. 

15. Parker, Ebenezer R., 21, Sergeant, discharged from hospital on ac- 
count of wounds received in battle. 

16. Ro}', Simon, 29, Corporal, discharged Feb. 18, 1863. 

17. Scribner, James J., 19, mustered Jan. 13, 1S62; disch. Se[)t. 19, '62. 
iS. Wightman, Samuel, 43, July i, 1862. 

19. White, Jesse D., 19, mustered March 3, 1862 ; disch. Oct. 25, 1862. 

20. Wilson, James W., 32, April 10, 1862. 

21. William B. Robertson. 

DIED, AND KILLED. 

1. Beggs, John, 24, First Sergeant, killed in battle of Crampton's 
Pass, Sept. 14, 1862. 

2. Chilson, William H., 21, mustered Jan. 13, 1862 ; died June 29, 
18C2, from wounds received in battle of Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862. 

3. Caughlin, Jeremiah, 20, mustered Sept. 21, 1861 ; died Ma)' ig, '62. 

4. Driskscom, James, 21, died June 29, 1862, from wounds received 
at Gaines' Mill. 

5. Garrett, William, 42, Jan. 24, 1862. 

6. Griffith, Willis, 21, Corporal, died Dec. 24, 1862. 

7. lohnson, Joseph R., Jr., 20, wounded and taken prisoner at Bull 
Run ; died in Richmond, Va., Aug. 22, 1861. 



284 ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

DIED, AND KILLED — Continued. 

8. Lockwood, Henry, 22, mustered March 28, 1862 ; killed in the 
battle of Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862. 

9. Shannon, Robert, 22, died March 6, 1S62. 

10. Sullivan, Florence, 22, killed at Bull Run, Jul}^ 21, 1861. 

DESERTED. 

1. Abranis, William H., 19, deserted Aug. 7, 1S61. 

2. Busk, Richard, 30, deserted July 18, 1861. 

3. Bush, Zimri, 23, deserted Aug. 8, 1861. 

4. Boyd, Harlan, ig, taken prisoner at Bull Run, July 21, 1861 ; de- 
serted Feb. 12, 1862. 

5. Drue, Jerome, 28, deserted Aug. 14, 1861. 

6. Fitch, William, 23, deserted Aug. 8, 1861. 

7. Hanna, Joseph M., 19, Corporal, deserted Aug. 14, 1861. 

8. Havens, John R., 22, deserted August 3, 1861. 

9. Jones, Jonathan W., 21, mustered March 13, 1862 ; deserted Sept. 
13, 1862. 

10. Lockwood, Martin, 26, mustered April i, '62 ; deserted May i, '62. 

11. Magee, Philander, 21, deserted Nov. 5, 1861. 

12. Murdock, John, 31, deserted Aug, 29, 1862. 

13. Odcll, Orrin, 22 ; discharged Aug. 11, 1861. 

14. Palmer, Charles, 28, deserted Aug. 11, 1861. 

15. Pendergrass, John, 23, deserted Aug. 7, 1861 
i6. Reynolds, Merriam J., 19, Aug. 14, 1861. 

17. Reynolds, Lyman, 24, deserted May 7. 1862. 

iS. Rodgers, Edmund D., deserted June 18, 1862. 

DROPPED. 

1. Robertson, William B., 19, Jan. i, 1863, Gen. Order 162, A. of P. 
Was wounded and taken prisoner at battle of Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862. 
Leg amputated. Repoited Jan. 28, 1864, at Elmira, for muster out and 
discharge. 

2. Staples, Squire, 21, mustered March 10, 1862; dropped Jan. i, '61, 
Gen. Order 162, A. of P. 

TRANSFERRED. 

1. Horton, James D., 21, Corporal, mustered March ig, 1862; to .Sixth 
-•\rmy Corps, to finish term of enlistment, June, 1863. 

2. Lockwood, Joseph W., 22, mustered March 27, 1862 ; to Sixth 
Army Corps, to finish term of enlistment, June, 1863. 

3. Nimbs, William M., 20, Sergeant, promoted to First Lieutenant 
of Co. " D," Oct. II, 1862. 

4. O'Regan, Timothy, 18, mustered March 4, 1862 ; to Sixth Ami}' 
Corps, to finish term of enlistment, June, 1863. 

5. Tanner, Albert S., 22, mustered March 10, 1862, to Sixth Army 
Corps, to finish term of enlistment, June, 1863. 



ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 285 

COMPANY "I." 

CAPTAINS. 

1. Curtiss C. Gardiner, 3g, promoted to Major, Sept. i, 1861. 

2. Samuel M. Harmon, 29, promovjd from First Lieutenant to Cap- 
tain, Sept. I, 1861, resigned Sept. 26, 1862. 

3. Burton Freeman, 33, promoted from Sergeant to First Sergeant, 
July 21, 1S61, to Second Lieutenant Sept. i, 1861, to First Lieutenant, 
Feb. 6, 1862, to Captain Sept. 26, 1862 ; was Color Sergeant in battle of 
Bull Run. 

I'lKSr LIEUTENANTS. 

1. Samuel iSL Harmon, 29. Promoted. 

2. Davis C. Hartshorn, 2g, promoted from First Sergeant to Second 
Lieut. Aug. I, 1861, to First Lieut. Sept. i, 1861, resigned Feb. 6, 1862. 

3. Burton Freeman, 33. Promoted. 

4. Texas Angel, 21, promoted to Commissary Seigeant July i, 1861, 
to Second Lieutenant Feb. 6, 1862, to First Lieutenant Sept. 26, 1862 ; 
Regimental Quartermaster after Nov. 22, 1862. 

5. Darwin Maltby, 21, promoted to Corporal July 21, 1861, to First 
Sergeant March i, 1S62, to Second Lieutenant Sept. 26, 1862, to First 
Lieutenant November 22, 1862. 

SECOND LIEUTENANTS. 

Charles D. Rice, 23, resigned Aug, i, i86i. 
Davis C- Hartshorn, 29. Promoted. 
Burton Freeman, 33. Promoted. 

4. Texas Angel, 21. Promoted. 

5. Darwin Maltby, 21. Promoted. 

6. Willis J. Kendall, 20, promoted from Corpora! to Sergeant July 21, 
1861, to Second Lieutenant Nov. 22, 1862. 

SERGEANTS. 

1. Dclos W. Cornell, 30, promoted from Corporal to Sergeant Jul}' 
21, 1861. to First Sergeant April 16, 1862. 

2. Romulus D. Dennison, 34, mustered July 5, 1861, promoted to 
Corporal July 21, 1861, to Sergeant Sept. i, 1861. 

3. Allan A. McDonald, 23, promoted to Corporal Sept. i, 1861, to 
Sergeant Sept. 26 1862. 

4. Philander Ellithorp, 20, promoted to Corporal March, 15, 1862, to 
Sergeant March i, 1863. 

5. William Seaver, 21, promoted to Corporal March i, 1862, to Ser- 
geant March i, 1863. 

CORPORALS. 

1. Henry Heinnenian, 26, promoted Sept. i, 1861. 

2. Joseph B. Howe, 21, mustered July 5, '61, promoted Sept. 26, '62. 

3. David Wafler, Jr., 20, promoted March i, 1863. 

4. Frank H. Gardiner, 22, mustered June 16, 1861, promoted March 
I, 1863. 

5. John W. Stanton, 22, mustered July 5, '61, promoted March i, '63. 



286 ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

I ■ o K p o K A I . s . — Co)i tin lied. 

6. Christian llornijcrg, 19, promoted March i, 1S63. 

7. Silas S. Sccle}', 19, iiiustcicd Sept. 20, '61, promoted March i, '63. 

I'KIVATES. 

1. Bullock, George H., 25, imis-tered July's, 1861. 

2. Bryne, Edward A., 22, mustered July 5, 1S61. 

3. Burdick, Melvin A., 36, mustered Aug. 31, 1861 ; detailed on Sig- 
nal Service Dec. 26, 1861 ; date of discharge not known. 

4. Button, Louis D., 22, reduced to ranks from Sergeant April 16/62. 

5. Burnham, George C, 15. 

6. Burt, Charles M., 18. 

7. Berry, Charles W., 23, mustered July 5, 1861 ; taken prisoner at 
Bull Run July 21, 1861. 

S. Burlingame, Henry, 21, taken j^risouer at Battle of CJaines' Mill ; 
dropped from the rolls ; returned ]\Liy 27, 1863. 

9. Charles, TimotJiyC, 23. 

TO. Carpenter, Robert, 28. 

11. Cilley, Henry D., 32. 

12. Coals, Alfred, 18. 

13. Coon, Sebcjus B., 26. 

14. Cranston, Stillman, 21. 

15. Champlin, Albert B., mustered July 5 1861. 

16. ("lark, Franklin D., 21, mustered July 5, 1861 ; taken [irisoner al 
Bull Run, July 21, 1861 ; reported to his Co. March 31, 1863. 

17. Dake, Albert J., 21. 

18. Dunn, James, 22. 

19. Fo.\, Peter, 37, mustered Aug. 31, 1861. 

20. Heers, Christopher, 22. 

21. Heald, John R., iS. 

22. Hult/,, Rawson B., 20, mustered [uly 5, i86i. 

23. Iluntly, Edwin, 21, mustered July 5, 1861. 

24. Hall, Randall L., 18, mustered Sept. 20, 1861. 

25. Hooper, Isaac M., 21, reduced to ranks from Corporal. On de- 
tached service till May 18, 1863. 

26. Hurley, Dennis, 21, mustered Aug. 31, i86r. 

27 Hurlbert, Alson, 22, mustered Sept. 20, 1861. Absent without 
leave from Sept. 6, 1862, to April 27, 1863 ; returned to duty under Pres- 
ident's proclamation. 

28. Lane, Lester, 21. 



Lewis, William H., 21, mustered July 5, 1861. 

McDonald, John, 24. 

McDonald, William, 26. 

McDonald, Patrick, 21, mustered Sept. 20, 1861. 

McMane, James, 21, mustered Sept. 20, 1861. 

Mapes, Charles, 23. 

Macken, Valletia, 17, mustered Aug. 31, 1861. 

Merrill, Thomas R., 18, mustered Jan. i6, 1862. 



ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. V. VOI.S. 2cS7 

PRIVATES — Continued. 

37. Powers, Lawrence, 19, taken prisoner at Bull Rnn, July 21, 1861. 

38. Ouiglej', Winfield, 19, mustered July 5, 1861. 

39. Rogers, Orin C, 20, mustered Aug. 31, 1861. 

40. Reading, Jeremiah K., 24, mustered July 5, iS(>i ; taken prisoner 
at Hull Bun, July 21, iS()i. 

41. Smith, Dav'id, 21. 

42. Tufts, Winfield, iS. 

43. Utter, George L., 21. 

44. Van Nostrand, Everett, 21. 

45. Van Gorder, John, 21. 

46. Weaver, Jacob D., iS, returned from absent, sick, April 16, 1862. 

47. Wright, Aaron II., 28. 

48. Weymer, Daniel G., 22. 

49. Worthington, Ira("., K). 

DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY. 

1. Ames, Ira, 24, Fel). ii, 1863. 

2. Benjamin, Remain, 20, Aug. 9, 1S62. 

3. Bingham, Justin, 45, March 18, 1S62. "Old Mexico." 

4. Baxter, Daniel B., 45, mustered Sept. 20, 1861; disch. March, 1863. 

5. Carpenter, David D., 26, Aug. 9, 1861. 

6. Crandall, John H., 19, mustered Jul_v 5, i86r ; taken prisoner at 
Bull Run, July 21, 1861 ; discharged Sept. 5, 1861. 

7. Chamberlain, Wilber S , 18, mustered Jul3'5, 1S61; disch. Sept., "62. 

8. Estabrook, George L., 21, Aug. 9, 1861. 

9. Jaques, Warren W., 26, mustered Sept. 20, 1861; disch. Seitt., 1SO2. 

10. Jaques, Lafayette, 19, mustered Sept. 20, 1861 ; disch. Se])t., 1862. 

11. Lewis, Clinton R., 22, Sept. 5, 1861. 

12. Lewis, Amos C, 22, mustered Sept. 20, i8f)i ; disch. Feb., iSr)3. 

13. Lewis, Henry D., 19, February, 1863. 

14. Metzcer, John, 32, wounded and taken prisoncM' al Bull Run, July 
21, 1861 ; never returned to regiment. 

15. Oliver, Judson S., 18, taken prisoner at Bull Run, July 21, 1861 ; 
supposed to have been discharged. No record. 

16. Ogden, John, 24, supposed to have been discharged. No record. 

17. Robinson. John, 40, September, 1862. 

18. Snow, Harvey C, 22, (Corporal, Aug. 19, 1861. 

19. Van Horn, Nicholas IL, 21, Feb. 11, 1863. 

20. Wellman, Jonas G., 23, wounded and taken prisoner at Bull Run, 
fnly 21, 1861 ; leg amputated ; discharged Dec. 15, 1862. 

21. Woodruff, Charles A., 21, from General Hospital— no date given. 

22. White, Joseph B., 21, Sept. 29, 1861. 

23. Wilson, Charles J., 30, Aug. 9, 1861. 

24. Waters, George, 24, Aug. 9, 1861. • 



288 ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

DIED, AND KILLED. 

1. Bliss, William B., Sergeant, 23, died at Savage Station, June 29, '62. 

2. Bishop, John W., 23, mustered July 5, 1861 ; taken prisoner at 
Bull Run, July 21, 1861 ; died in Richmond. 

3. Babbitt, Albert, 26, killed at Bull Run, July 21, 1861. 

4. Collier, Thomas, 21, died Oct. 28, 1862. 

5. Ferrin, Eugene, 23, killed at battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1S61. 

6. Haver, Wilber, 21, Corporal, killed at battle of Fredericksburg, 
May 3, 1863. 

7. Hobart, Stanley, 32, died Dec. 3, 1862. 

8. Hobart, Charles J., 19, mustered July 5, 1861, died Nov. 29, 1862, 
of wounds received in battle of Crampton's Pass, Sept. 14, 1862. 

9. Hibbard, Enoch, 34, died July i, 1862. 
10. Kidder, Henry D., 29, died July 22, 1861. 

DESERTED. 

1. Adams, Frank O., 22, mustered July 5, '61, deserted Aug. 7, '61. 

2. Engle, George W., 20, deserted Aug. 4, 1861. 

3. Franklin, Ashley L., 19, deserted April 17, 1862. 

4. Gillman, Calvin B., 22, deserted Aug. 7, 1861. 

5. Kidder, William B., 25, deserted Aug. 7, 1861. 
(). Rice, Robert, 24. deserted Aug. 4, 1861. 

7. Strong, Frank, 19, mustered Sept. 20, 1861, deserted Feb. 20, 1862. 

8. Spencer, Alfred W., 21, deserted Sept. 15, 1862. 

DROPPED. 
I. Andrews, James O., 26, wounded and taken prisoner at Bull Run, 
July 21, 1861 ; never returned to regiment. 



COMPANY " K." 



CAPTAINS. 

1. Henry L. Achilles, 26, resigned June 9, 1862, on account of disa- 
bility. 

2. Seymour Pierce, 22, promoted to Captain June 9, 1862 ; detached 
on Signal Service. 

FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 

1. William H. Coan, 22, died September 11, 1862. 

2. George S. Gaskill, 20, promoted from Corporal to Sergeant Sept. i, 

1861, to Second Lieutenant July 10, 1862, to First Lieutenant Sept. 6, 

1862, and assigned to the command of the Company. 

SECOND LIEUTENANTS. 

1. Henry H. Hanington, 22, resigned July 10, 1862, on account of 
disability. 

2. William H. McMahon, 25, promoted to Second Lieutenant, from 
Co. "G."Sept. 6, 1862. 



ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 289 

SERGEANTS. 

1. Henry B. Barnard, 23, promoted from Sergeant to First Sergeant 
Sept. I, 1861. 

2. James Kennelly, 23, promoted to Corporal Aug. 15, 1S61, to Ser- 
geant Sept. I, 1861. 

3. Ami Whitne}', 22, promoted to Corporal Sept. i, i86r, to Sergeant 
Dec. I, 1862. 

4. John Ball, 21, promoted to (Corporal March i, 1861, to Sergeant 
Dec. I, 1862. 

5. John F. Stewart, 23, promoted to Corporal Sept. i, 1862, to Ser- 
geant Dec. I, 1862. 

CORPORALS. 

1. Frank S. Hayden, 20. 

2. Aretus H. Allen, 25. 

3. Charles W. Sickles, 21, promoted Sept. i, i86r. 

4. William White, 20, promoted Sept. i, 1861. 

5. John Bannister, 22, promoted Dec. t, 1862. 
(t. Martin G, Wood, 22, promoted Dec. i, 1862. 

7. Orson T. Jewett, 20, taken prisoner at battle of Bull Run, July 
21, 1S61 ; promoted Dec. i, 1862. 

8. Henry T. Latimer, — , mustered July 15, '61 ; promoted Dec. i, '62. 

MUSICIANS. 

r. Lewis M. Cliftbrd, 20. 

PRIV.\TES. 

1. Ashley, George A., iS. 

2. Atwell, Freeman J., 28. 

3. Ashb}', Charles, 39, mustered Sept. 5, 1861. 

4. Barber, Charles, 22. 

5. Beach, Orrin D., 21, returned from absent sick, May 18, 1863. 

6. Beardsle}', George, rg. , 

7. Bishop, Jacob H., 28. 

8. Blackwell, George W., iq, musteretl July 15, 1861, returned from 
absent sick. May 18, 1863. 

g. Bowman, William, i8, mustered July 5, 1861. 

10. Barnes, Parrish, i8, mustered Sept. 5. 1861. ' 

11. Blanchard, Orrin D., 19. 

12. Brignall, John, 27. 

13. Chapman, Galusha, 24. 

14. Clement, Lewis, 32. 

15. Cook, Joseph, 19. 

16. Dwinnell, Charles, 28, taken prisoner at battle of Bull Run, July 
21, 1861. 

17. Doane, Oscar, 21. 

18. Dorrance, Joseph, 35. 

. 19. Eggleston, Seneca, 18. 



290 kOSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

I'Ki VAXES. — ContiniuuL 

20. Fowler, John C, 22, taken prisoner at battle Hull Run, Iiih' 21, Yu. 

21. Gaylor, Frederick F., 25. 

22. Harris, Isaac, 23. 

23. Hart, Charles, 21. 

24. Hanson, William j. C, 23. 

25. Henry, Harrison, 22. 

26. Howard, Charles, iS, mustered July 15, i86r. 

27. Hunt, Alvin G., 18., mustered Jul}' 15, 1S61, 

28. Harris, James, 19, mustered Sept, 5, 1861. 

29. Hobbs, Ira, 20, mustered Sept. 5, i85i. 

30. Hall, John, 24, mustered July 15, iSOi, absent sick in hospital, 
returned to Co. May 18, i8t)3. 

31. Harding, Horace J., 21. • 

32. Johnson, Andrew H., 23. 

33. Johnson, William, 22. 

34. Jones, Edward D. C, 20, mustered July f?, 1S61, 

35. Kingman, Albert E., iS. 

36. Kincade, Eugene C, 22. 

37. King, Charles, 20, mustered July 15, iSfii. 

38. Lawrence, George, 22. 

39. Lake, William, 23, mustered Sept. 5, 1S61. 

40. Mallory, William H. IL, 20 

41. Mudge, Volney, 19, taken prisoner at Bull Run, July 21, 1S61. 

42. Moore, Orra H., 20, mustered Sept. 5, 1861. 

43. Nash, Charles, 19. 

44. Paul, James, 21, mustered July 15, 1S61. 

45. Finney, Edward F., 22, mustered Sept. 5, iSAi. 

46. Simmons, John M., 20. 

47. Sackett, Hiram, iS. 

48. Tucker, Henry C, 20, musteretl July J 5, iSf)!. 

49. Tucker, Jacob, 18, taken ijrist)ner at Hull Run, July 21, iSfii ; 
transferred from Co. ".\ " June 20, 1861. 

50. Viele, Philip, 38. 

51. Van Dresser, Henry L., 23, taken jirisoner at Bull Run, July 
21, 1861. 

52. Wilson, Nathan M., 23. 

53. Wells, Henry S., 23, mustered July 15, 1S61, taken prisoner at 
Bull Run, July 21, 1861. 

DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY. 

1. Allins, Albert, 25, .\ugust 7, 1861. 

2. Avery, Francis G., 22, March 31, 1862. 

3. Aplin, Briggs, 19, mustered Sept. 5, 1861 ; discharged Oct. 9, 1862. 

4. Clift, Amos, Jr., 22, March 16, 1862. 

5. Doty, Walter, 22, July i, 1861. 

6. Dalton, Martin, 26, Oct. 3, 1861. 






ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 29 1 

DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY — Continued. 
7. Dorrance, William, 20, Jan. 15, 1863. 

S. Durkee, Oscar, 23, mustered Sept. 5, 1S61; disch. April 4, 1862. 
q. Eastman, Charles B., 24, Aug. 7, 1861. 

10. Howard, John D., 21, Dec. 2, 1862. 

11. King, John E., 40, Dec. 12, 1S62. 

12. McElroy, Michael, 20, Aug. 14, 1861. 

13. McPherson, John, 23, Aug. 14, 1861. 

14. Mudge, Jay L., iS, taken prisoner at Bull Run, July 21, 1S61 ; 
discharged Jan. 9, '63. 

15. Peterson, Frederick H., 18, mustered Juh' 15 ; disch. Nov. 6, 1862. 

16. Towsle)', Rathburn C, 25, Corporal, mustered Sept. 5, 1861; dis- 
charged Dec. 25, 1861. 

17. Wells, James E., 19, discharged Oct. 9, 1S62. 

DIED, AND KILLED. 

1. Bowen, James, 22, Sergeant, Sept. 11, 1861. 

2. Cook, Dwight, 24, Corporal, killed in battle of Bull Run, ]\\\y 
21, 1861. 

3. Curtis, Delos, 35, mustered July 15, 1861, died of wounds received 
in battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861. 

4. Edwin, Eddy, 23, Sergeant, killed in the battle of Bull Run, July 
21, 1S61. 

5. Kellogg, Albertus, 19, mustered July 15, 1861, killed in battle of 
Bull Run, July 21, 1861. 

6. King, Henry J., 27, killed Aug. 20, 1861, by being thrown from a 
horse, in Washington. 

7. Larwood, Andrew, iS, mustered Dec. 17, 1861, killed in battle of 
Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862. 

8. Murphy, Clinton, 26, Corporal, died April 12, 1S62. 

9. McKenzie Peter, 26, mustered July 15, 1861, killed at battle of 
Bull Run, July 21. 1861. 

10. Mason, George K., 28, died Jan. 19, 1863. 

11. Nash, William H., 20, died in hospital at Washington, date not 
given. 

12. Rowley, Oliver G., iS, died May 25, 1S62. 

13. Squires, Edson, 20, mustered Dec. 17, i86r ; run over by the cars, 
at Baltimore, Md., May 16, 1862, died from injuries May 17. 

14. Tibbits, Charles W., 22, taken prisoner at the battle of Bull Run ; 
shot ami killed by a rebel senl)y while a prisoner in Richmond, Nov. 12, 1861. 

15. Thornton, Hira H., 18, killed in the battle of Gaines' Mill, June 
27, 1862. 

DESERTED. 

1. Humphrey, Carloss, 22, deserted Aug. 4, 1861. 

2. Murdock, William, 21, deserted Aug. 4, 1861. 

3. Sawyer, Charles W., 22, Sergeant, deserted Aug. i, 1862. 



292 ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 

TRANSFERRED. 

1. Hodgman, Clinton E., 22, Sergeant, Oct. 4, i86r, by promotion to 
Co. "E." 

2. Newell, Daniel P., 22, mustered Aug. 2, 1861, discharged Dec. i, 
1862, by promotion to Commissary Sergeant. 

3. Steel, Lawrence J., 20, Tuly 5th, 1861, to Company "G." 

4. Vickars, William, 18, mustered Sept. 5, 1861, transferred to Bat- 
tery " D," Second U. S. Artillery, Regulars, Feb. 15, 1863. 



Showing Wholk Number of Officers and Enlisted Men of the 

Twenty-seventh Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry, 

Mustered into the United States' Service during its 

Term of Service, from May 21, 1861, to May 31, 1863. 

OFFICERS. 

Mustered into United States' Service with Regiment, May 21, 1861.. 37 

Appointed from civil life 7 

Appointed from enlisted men of regiment 51 

95 

Promoted out of regiment — Slocum, Bartlett, Rodgers 3 

Resigned 36 

Discharged for disability 5 

Died of disease — Gaul, Coan 2 

Died of wounds — Webster i 

Killed in battle — Park i 

Discharged by order — Goodrich, Dickson, Kirby, McKay 4 

Mustered out by general order — musicians 2 

Mustered out with regiment, May 31, 1863 41 

95 



294 ROSTER OP 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 



The following tubulated statement is made from the muster-out rolls 
of the regiment : 



£ ^ 


► < c 

; 
. c 


Died. 


Disch'd. 


(/I 

a> 

n 
p. 


riartsf'd. 





n 

CO 


^ 3 

Cl „ 


an 


5 


H 




fj 


0' H: 

• 5' 

• w 

; n 







71' 

n 

n 


> 


n 

a. 
n 




= 

D 
P- 


D 

on' 


p 

5.5- 

(A "■ 

'• n 
• 
: 3 


H 

3o 

3 3- 
CL n 
71 "^ 

: 
. 

; 3 


D 

3 

Cl 
3 


A 


!1 
63 


I 


I 

4 


4 

8 


2 


19 


12 


2 


5 

5 


lOI 


B 


I 




2 


18 


7 




f) 


114 


C 


64 


5 


2 


7 




3 


22 


10 




I 


4 


4 


120 


1) 


62 


6 
3 


4 





32 


6 
15 
14 


2 


I 


2 


8 


123 


E 


56 


6 


6 


19 


I 


I 


109 


F 


50 


3 


II 


6 

5 


17 






5 
2 


3 
6 

5 

5 


109 


G 


49 


S 
3 
3 




II 




22 


II 


3 


6 


123 


II 


44 


3 


4 




20 


18 
8 




4 


I 
I 


104 


I 


61 


3 


4 


1 


I 


23 




109 


K 


67 


8 


6 


I 





17 


3 


2 


I 




3 


108 


Field and 
Stall*.. 


— 



















12 


Officers.. 


I 


I 
14 


2 




25 


209 


1 9 






33 


Totals... 


566 


42 


67 


3 


10. 


14 


25 


46 


1165 



Less those duplirateil by transfer and promotion 10 

Total No. enrolled, not including the band (20 pieces,) 1155 



* Other than those promoted from the Companies. 



DEATH CASUALTIES. 295 



Remarks. — The above table does not show all of the actual casualties 
to the enlisted men. For example, the column of "discharged" is known 
to include many who had been wiuritded :^nd sent to hospitals; and like- 
wise many who had been prisoners, and returned incapacitated for duty. 
Again, the column of "died" is known to include some who had been 
wottitdcii, ■A.wd sent to liospitals. Again, the column of "dropped" in- 
cludes some who were ^.?^\ie,VL prisoners, and never afterwards heard from. 
It is to be regretted that there is no record of those who lost a leg or an 
arm, or were otherwise permanently disabled. 

The above statement of officers and enlisted men does not include 
A!e.\. Scott's Cornet Band of twenty men, who were a part of the regi- 
ment for about one year, and who will ever be remembered with soldierly 
regard by all comrades. 

In regard to the deserters, man}' served honoraljly in other commands, 
afterwards. Not a few so marked left the regiment to enlist with relatives 
or friends in other organizations, where associations were more congenial 
or chances of promotion better ; and quite a number were men who had 
been taken prisoners, and never returned. 



296 



ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 



The following is the very latest information from the War Department, 
relative to the death casualties in the 27th Regiment New York Infantry : 



Officers. 


Men. 


Total. 


72 


74 


2 


57 


5<J 




2 


2 




II 


II 


4 


142 


146 



Twenty-Seventh Regiment N.Y.Voi.s. 

Killed in action, or died from battle wounds. 

Died of disease 

Accidental deaths . . 

Causes not stated 

Aggregate . 



It will be noted that this table differs from the former, it having since 
been found that some who were reported on the roll as dropped, were 
either killed, or died of wounds or disease. Owing to the defective char- 
acter of the regimental records on file in the War Department, it is impos- 
sible to determine with absolute accuracy the losses sustained ; and the 
above computations must be regarded as only approximative. 



DEATH CASUALTIES. 



297 



LOSSES IN BARTLETT'S BRIGADE. 

The following table of figures, on casualties in action, is from the 
official publications of the War Department : 

SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES, INCLUDING GAINES' MILL. 



Regiments. 


Killed. 


Wounded. 


Missing. 


Fifth Maine 

Sixteenth New York 

Twentj'-Seventh New York 


9 
40 
12 
13 

74 


49 
iSi 
Ii8 

61 

409 


II 
12 

32 




13 


Total 


68 



CRAMPTON'S PASS, Md. 



Fifth Maine 

Sixteenth New York 

Twenty-Seventh New York. 
Ninety-Sixth Pennsylvania 



Total 



4 


28 


31 


70 


6 


27 


20 


71 


61 


ig6 



Total loss of the arm)'^ at Crampton's Pass| 113 | 418 | 



ANTIETAM, Mo. 



Fifth Maine 

Sixteenth New York 

Twenty-Seventh New York 

Ninety-Sixth Pcnnsj'Ivania 



I 


I 

2 


5 
2 



I 

8 








Total 






SECOND FREDERICKSBURG. 



Fifth Maine 

Sixteenth New York ... 

Twenty-Seventh New York 

One Hundred and Twenty-First N. Y. 
Ninety-Sixth Pennsylvania 



Total . 




27 

49 

3 

55 
9 

143 



298 



ROSTER OF 27TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLS. 



LOSSES IN TWENTY-ONE OF THE 

IMENTS." 



TWO YEARS' REG- 



DATE OK 

Ml'STF.R. 

May 7, 1861 

" 2T, " 

" 14. " 

" 9. " 

" '). " 

" 25, •• 

Apr. 23, " 

" 23, " 

May 4, " 

Apr. 20, " 

May 13, " 

" 14. " 

" 17, " 

" 15- " 

" 24, " 

" 17. " 

" 17, " 

■' 17, " 

" 16, " 

June 6, " 

May 21, " 



National Guards 

Troy Rirtcs 

Veterans 

Scott's Life Guards 
Duryea Zouaves . 
Wilson Zouaves . 
Steuben Regiment 
German Rifles . . . 
Hawkins Zouaves 
Ellsworth Zouaves 
Independence Guard 
Rochester Regiment. 

First Onondaga 

'Straw Hats of History 
Westchester Chasseurs 
New York Rifles... 

First Cayuga 

German Turners. . 
Buffalo Regiment.. 
2d New York Reg't 
Union Regiment. . 



Killed 


and 


Died of 


dis- 


diec 




ease,acci 


dent, 


of Wou 


ads. 


in prison 


, etc. 





M 





M 


3 

n 


3 ^' 














. Q, 






■ Ch 







88 


88 


3 


33 


36 


I 


24 


2S 





23 


23 


I 


2S 


26 


2 


64 


6b i 


2 


60 


62 


I 


23 


24 


6 


183 


189 





31 


31 


1 


13 


13 





34 


34 


14 


88 


102 


I 


4b 


47 





8g 


8q 


I 


41 


42 


2 


74 


76 


2 


25 


27 


.3 


48 


51 


3 


12 


15 


3 


61 


64 


I 


59 


bo 


4 


67 


71 





29 


29 


4 


50 


bo 





44 


44 1 


4 


107 


III 


I 


85 


8b [ 


5 


31 


3(> 


3 


29 


32 


4 


34 


38 


I 


34 


35 1 


2 


31 


33 





54 


54 


7 


54 


61 


I 


()0 


bi 


2 


74 


76 


2 


40 


42 


5 


31 


36 


3 


29 


32 


2 


72 


74 


2 


70 


72 



124 

48 
92 

8b 

22U 

47 

149 

131 
103 

6(> 
124 

lUU 

104 

197 

bS 

73 

87 

122 

u8 

68 

r4b 



Of the thirty-eight "Two Years' Regiments" from New York State, 
the heaviest losses were as follows : 

1st. The 5th Duryea Zouaves (total deaths) 220 

2d. The ibth New York " Straw Hats," " " 197 

3d. The 34th New York Regiment " " 162 

4th. The 7th Steuben Regiment " " 149 

5tli. The 27th New York Vols., Union Regiment.' . . " " 14b 



SURVIVORS' ASSOCIATION, 

Of the 27T11 Regiment New York Volunteers, and 
THE First Regiment N. Y. Veteran Cavalry. 

The above Association has been organized for many- 
years, and continues to hold its annual reunions. The ob- 
jects of the organization are: The promotion of fraternal 
feelings; the revival of old memories and associations; and 
the collection and preservation of records of the services 
rendered by these two regiments during the War of the 
Rebellion. 

Each honorably discharged survivor whose address is 
known, is regularly notified of the meetings of the Associ- 
ation, and is invited to become a member ; and to each is 
mailed a copy of the printed Proceedings of the Reunions. 

Our gatherings are notable for the enjoyment of friendly 
fellowship and conversation among comrades bound to- 
gether by memories of perils and privations, encountered 
when the majority were boys, or in the first years of man- 
hood. 

The dues are nominally $1.00, but any sum that the com- 
rade is able to pay is accepted ; and there is no accumula- 
tion of back dues. 

We desire to have the name of every survivor on the 
Roster of the Association, and any comrade who knows 
the address of a comrade not already on the list published 
in the Proceedings, should notify the Secretary. Every 
comrade of the 27th should also make an effort to notify 
the friends of deceased comrades that a History of the 
Regiment has been published. 

Doubtless the reading of the History will suggest to 
some of the comrades many interesting incidents that 
would be valuable if a second edition should be published. 
These should be noted, and sent to the Secretary ; also any 
corrections that should be made. 



300 NEW MATTER FOR A SECOND EDITION. 

It is to be regretted that more of the officers did not 
respond to the invitation of the PubHcation Committee, to 
furnish cuts for their portraits ; and also that it was impos- 
sible to get short biographies of the officers, and the local 
history of each company. 

It is hoped that this additional matter may yet be ob- 
tained, and kept in the records of the Association. 

Address C. B. FAIRCHILD, Secretary, 

545 East 84th Street, 

New York City. 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Portrait of Major-Gen. H. W. Slociim (steel) Frontispiece. 

Badge of the First Division, Sixth Corps Title page. 

►'iVIap of the Virginia Campaigns iv. 

Portrait of CoL H. W. Slocuni 2 

Map of Washington and vicinity . ; lo 

Portrait of Brigadier-Gen. J. J. Bartlett 21 

Roll Book of Co. " D " 34 

Revolver 34 

Portrait of Col. Alexander D. Adams 45 

Portrait of Major C. C. Gardiner 54 

. Portrait of Capt. II. R. White, Co. "B" 56 

, Map of Gaines' Mill 58 

Portrait of Capt. Charles A. Wells, Co " C " 71 

Portrait of Lieutenant-Col. J. H. Bodine ... go 

Portrait of Dr. William H. Stuart 94 

Portrait of Capt. H. Seymour Pierce, Co " G " 120 

/<Map of Fredericksburg 122 

Portrait of Major-Gen. W. B. Franklin 123 

Portrait of Capt. H. C. Rogers, Co " D." 126 

Corps Badges 141 

Portrait of Major-Gen. W. T. H. Brooks 148 

Modes of Punishment.. 149 

Portrait of Capt. Samuel M. Harmon, Co. " I " , I54 

i Portrait of Captain Burton Freeman, Co. " I " 164 

Portrait of Lieut. Henry Hanington, Co. " K ". . 168 

Portrait of Major-Gen. John Sedgwick 174 

Flag of the 27th Regiment 180 

Richmond Prison Association Seal ... 203 

Richmond Tobacco Warehouse — Prison No. 1 205 

Parish Prison, New Orleans, La. ... 218 

Salisbury Prison 226 

Returned Prisoners 234 

Portrait of Dr. Norman S. Barnes 244 



TABU' Ol' CONTI'NTS. 



Pirfacf . . . 
lull (xliu I ion 



(~iiai'|'i;k I. 

( )i>'aMi/.a(i(iii ol llic kci^iiiifiil - Mo\ »(1 lo Soullipoil Kickiiii; o\t'i llic 
Tables — Row will) the 33(IMiislciC(l in llic I ' . S. Sciv ice ( )!! loi 
Washinj^lon hiisi Ni^ht in Cinnp 'I'liij^cl I'railicc ( )n lo Ric ii- 
niond — Hull Unn Miiilic Sloe uni Woniulrd ( \isn:ill iis UmiiIcII's 
lsr|ioil ol Hnllknn I 'oi It I's Is(|h n I I l8. 

('iiai'ii;r II. 

M.n k lo ( '.imp l''i;uiklin To A l>'\:niil i i:i .Slocnni I'lo led I '.Ircl i<ni ol 

OlliciTS — l'"()it i-,yon — Cauip ( 'laia - Winli-r (hiiilris Ro.sIlm ul' 
l'"ranklin's Division — (iiand Ri'vit'w — Exfcnlitni ol jolinson — Piis- 
oniis' Rclnrn ( 'allcll's Station Rclni n lo .\ IcxMiulria '<) 3'' 

CIJAI'II'.R III. 
'lo i'cninsnia West I'oinI hcalli of LicnI. liailty I'lanklin's Rcpoii 
of VVi:st Point — Sloe inn's and Newton's Reports — Rosier of Si.\ili (^orps- 
Suression Soiiff— Col. Haitlett i'roinol('tl--Mi'iliani(sville- Halloon As- 
cension — M('( "lellan's Oidet — ('oi(lnro\ Roads (Jaines' Mill — A Pris- 
oner's Account — Reports: Slocnni's, Haillett's, .Adams' — Change of 
Fiase — Savage Station — White Oak Swamp — Mahcin 1 1 ill I Ian ison'a 
Landing — Reports : Kianklin's, Slocnm's Wonndcd Soldier's L<iier — 
Retreat — i.ea\c ihe Peninsida l)i. Hun's i.ellci Second Midi 
Run ;5i-^7 

("IIAI'TI'.R IV. 
M<("lellan Relieved li\ Pope — Reinstated-M :ir\ land ("ainpinun Matllc 
ol (lainplon's Pass — Antietam — Reports: iM<( 'Icll.in's, I'liink lin's, 
Slocnin's, I5;iillett's, Adams' — Mc("lellan's l'":iicw<!l Uninsidc I'likes 
('omrnand— Hillc Phnii Inrsl Hattle of Frederic ksbiirg- VVlute Oak 
(Church— 'i'alk willi Ri hd Piidcets — Roslei Si.xtli Torps 8(j-i2() 

('llAPri.R V. 

Winti-r Quarters — Soliliers' Letters —ICmancii ml ion Proclamation — Mud 

March — Hooker Takes Command — A Woiii;in's l.(iiei-- Second Pred- 

erickgbnrg— Star Shot out of llie i*"l:ii; Retreat I'iind ( hders — Muster 

Out— The Old Flag— Battle llyinn 127— i8i 

CHAPrPR Vl. 

Prison Life — (^lapture — Richmoml, New Orleans and Salisbiiiy Prisons — 

List of Prisoners — Nursing a Wounded Comrade — Hunger — Cruel 

Treatment — Bill of Fare — Prisoners Shot by the (Jiiartl — Close Con- 

finemgjit — Long Journey — Parole — Home 183-233 






TABLE OF CONTENTS. 303 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Gen. Slocum 2^7 

Gen. Bai tiett 240 

Col. Alexander D. Adams , 242 

Major Curtiss C. Gardiner 243 

Dr. Norman S. Bariies 244 

Gen. John Sedgwick ; 249 

Gen. W. B. Franklin. , 25! 



Roster ^ 25^ 

Tabulated Statements ., 293-297 

Notes of Survivors' Association s 299 



EE,I^.A.T Jk.. 



6- 

7- 

22- 
24- 
29- 

53- 
104- 

IIO- 

119- 
150- 

185- 
196- 

243- 
267- 
268- 
269- 



or Sitgraves, read Sitgreives. 

or Rellay, read Relay. 

or Dr. Mason, read Dr. George Mason. 

or Col. John Washington, read John A. Washington. 

or Brenton's, read Benton's Tavern. 

or Col. John, read Col. Henry Cake, 

or A. J., read N. J. Jackson. 

or nth of August, read loth. 

or Mary's, read Marye's. 

or 1862, read 1863. 

or James, read Jonas G. Wellman. 

or Co. "I," read Bond of Co. "G." 

or G. O., read A. G. O. 

or 8, after the name of Geo. O. Pratt, read 18. 

or — , after the name of Samuel Winchell, read 21. 

or "hot" by rebel scout, read shot by rebel scout. 



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